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Gift of tlie
^ew York State Library
1923

MINUTES OF THE COURT
OF
RENSSELAERSWYCK 1648-1652

Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
ArchloisI, Dtotsion of Atchioei and History

ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NE-W YORK
1922

The University of the State of New York
Division of Archives and History December 21,1 922
Dr. Frank P. Graves
President of ihe University
Dear Sir:
I herewith transmit and recommend for pilblication the volume
entitled Minutes of the Court of Rensselaerstv^ck, April 2, 1 648
to April 15, 1652, translated and edited by A. J. F. van Laer,
Archivist of the Di'vision of Archives and History.
In point of view of date this volume precedes the Minutes of
the Court of Fort Orange and Beverrvycli already published.
Reference to the preface by the translator and editor will show
the position which these minutes occupy in relation to the previous
publication. Their importance in giving a picture of the legal,
institutional and economic conditions of the time has already been
called to your attention in the volume to which reference has
been made. Very truly yours
James Sullivan
State Historian and Director
Approved for publication
Frank P. Graves,
President of the University and
Commissioner of Education
!5]

PREFACE
The court of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, whose minutes
for 1648—1652 are published herewith, formed from an early
date an important part of the judicial organization of the
province of New Netherland. TTie court was erected by
Kiliaen van Rensselaer by virtue of the power conferred upon
him by the charter of Freedoms and Exemptions of 1 629, which
provided that members of the Dutch West India Company who
within four years after giving notice to the company should
plant in New Netherland a colony of fifty adults should be
acknowledged as patroons and should hold their land from the
company as a perpetual fief of inheritance, with " high, middle
and low jurisdiction." By these terms the patroons were
authorized to administer civil and criminal justice, in person or
by deputy, within the limits of their respective colonies and to
erect courts whose jurisdiction should extend to matters affecting
life and limb, although article 20 of the charter provided that
from all judgments given by the courts of the patroons above 50
guilders there should be appeal to the director general and
council of New Netherland.^
The first step to organize a court in the colony of Renssclaers-'
wyck was taken by tlie patroon on July 1, 1632, when he
appointed Rutger Hendricksz van Soest schout and empowered
him to administer the oath of schepen to Roelof Jansz van

^This appeal applied only to judgments in civil cases. According
to the Dutch criminal procedure of that period, conviction was had only
upon confession by the criminal, extorted by torture, if necessary. From
sentences rendered upon such conviction there was no appeal. The
right of appeal was largely nuUilied by a pledge which the patroon
exacted from the colonists not to appeal to the supreme court of New
Netherland. Kieft and afterwards also Stuyvesant held that this was
an infringement of the charter, but the patroon, in a letter to Kieft,
dated May 29, 1640, maintained that a clause to that effect was
inserted in the contracts with the colonists merely for the purp>ose of
preventing them from wasting their time and money in needless litigation.
See Van Rensselaer Boivier Mss, p. 476, and Doc. rel. io Col. Hist.
N. Y.. 1 :423. 7]

8 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Masterland, Gerrit Theusz de Reus, Maryn Adriaensz, Brant
Peelen and Laurens Laurensz, all of whom, with the exception
of de Reus, were then residing in the colony. The patroon issued
instructions for the schout and schepens on July 20, 1 632, and
sent these to the colony by his nephew Wouter van Twiller, the
newly appointed director general of New Netherland, who also
took with him a silver plated rapier with baldric and a hat with
plumes for the schout, and black hats with silver bands for the
schepens. Van Twiller sailed from the island of Texel, on the ship
"Soutberg," shortly after July 27, 1632, and arrived at New
Amsterdam in April of the following year. He had with him
a power of attorney from Kiliaen van Rensselaer to administer
the oath of schout to Rutger Hendricksz van Soest, but as far
as can be judged from the meager information that is available
did not administer the oath.
Conditions, just then, were not favorable for the erection of a
court in the colony. Differences had arisen in the board of
directors of the Dutch West India Company in regard to the fur
trade and efforts were made by those who were opposed to the
agricultural colonization of New Netherland to deprive the
patroons of the privileges granted to them by the charter of
Freedoms and Exemptions. Van Rensselaer complains of this
in a memorial presented by him to the Assembly of the XIX on
November 25, 1633,^^ in which he makes the statement that in
July, 1 632, he had people and animals enough to start five farms,
but that his efforts were frustrated because the Company refused
to let him have carpenters, smiths and other mechanics and also
declined to furnish his people with supplies, in exchange for grain
and dairy products.
Taking this statement in connection with the facts that Rutger
Hendricksz' term of service as a farmer was about to expire and
that his name does not appear in the records of the colony after
1 634, it seems safe to conclude that when Van Twiller arrived
^ Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 235-50.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 9
in New Netherland Rutger Hendricksz had determined to leave
the colony and declined to accept the position of schout.
Van Twiller wrote to the patroon cind recommended Brant
Aertsz van Slichtenhorst for the post,^ but before his letter was
received the patroon had already made other arrangements and
entered into a contract with Jacob Albertsz Planck, whereby the
latter was engaged as schout for the period of three years.
Planck received his instructions on April 27, 1634, and soon
after sailed for the colony, where he arrived on or just before
the 1 2th of August. His instructions provided that on his arrival
in New Netherland he was to present himself before Director
Van Twiller and to reqiiest him to administer to him the oath
of office " instead of to Rutger. Henrickssz, according to previous
power of attorney " and, furthermore, that at the first oppor
tunity he was to choose three schepens from among the fittest of
the colonists, so that he could hold court if need be. Presumably,
therefore, the court of the colony was first organized shortly after
August 12, 1634.
The court as then constituted corresponded to the usual courts
of schout and schepens as they at that time existed in most of
the manors of the Netherlands. It was evidently intended to bfe
a court of limited civil and criminal jurisdiction, for the patroon,
in a letter to Wouter van Twiller, dated April 23, 1634, dis
tinctly states that Michiel Pauw, in his colony of Pavonia, calls
Cornelis van Vorst his " chief officer," but that for his own
reasons he desires that " Jacob Planck shall as yet not be other
wise entitled than as officer," thereby indicating, it seems, that
he was not to have the rank of a city schout, or the presiding
officer of a superior court having power to infiict capital punish
ment.^

^ Van Rensselaer Boivier Mss, p. 281 .
^Wassenaer, under date of November 1626, speaking of the court
at Manhattan as at first established by Minuit, says: "The council
there administers justice in criminal matters as far as imposing fines,
but n9t as far as corporal punishment. Should it happen that any one
deserves that, he must be sent to Holland with his sentence." J. F.
Jameson, Narratives of Nev^ Netherland, p. 84.

10 Colony of Rensselaersivyck
Planck not only held the position of schout, but also that of
commies, or trading agent and administrative officer of the
colony. His services were not satisfactory, so that at the expira
tion of his term, in August 1637, he was not reappointed. The
patroon, however, had difficulty in finding a suitable successor
and requested Planck to remain until the arrival of Arent van
Curler, who was sent out as his assistant in the latter part of
December of that year. Planck was back in Holland in August
1 639, and probably left the colony shortly after May 1 2th, when
the patroon wrote to Director General Kieft: " I am negotiating
about sending some people of capacity to my colony, but they
were not able to make up their minds so quickly and to get ready,
and in the former officer, Jacob Planck, I do not find a proper
manager. He knows more about trading furs, which have been
of greater profit to him than to me ; however, I wish to part with
him in friendship and not lo give the least occasion for dissatis
faction among my people, for they stir one another up." Having
failed to find a successor to Planck, the patroon, the same day,
entrusted the administration of justice and the general manage
ment of the colony to three gecomrratteerden, or commissioners,
namely, Arent van Cm-ler, Pieter Cornelisz van Munnickendam
and Cornelis Teunisz van Breuckelen. Of these, the first was
made secretary and bookkeeper of the colony and until further
order was also to act as officer and commies, the second was
made receiver of tithes and supercargo of the vessel, and the
third was appointed the patroon's voorspraeclfe, or attorney, to
defend his interests. These three conmiissioners managed the
affairs of the colony until the arrival of Adriaen van der Donck,
who was commissioned officer of justice on May 13, 1 641 . Just
how long Van der Donck held the post of officer is not known.
He arrived in the colony in August 1641, and like Planck and
other officials of the colony was probably appointed for a period
of three years, so that his term of office would seem to have ex
pired in August 1 644.^
^Cf. Doc. rel. io Col. Hist. N. Y. 1:431. 532-33.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 1 1
Just about this time word must have reached the colony of the
death of the patroon. An entry in the minutes of the director
general and council of New Netherland under date of August 8,
1 644,^ in which reference is made to " the heirs of Mr Renselaer,
deceased," shows, namely, that Kiliaen van Rensselaer died, not
in 1646, as stated by O'Callaghan, Brodhead and all other
writers, but some time prior to August 1644, and perhaps as
early as the fall of 1643, when the patroon's letters to the colony,
published in the Van Rensselaer Bomer Manuscripts, ceased.
The patroon's estate and title now descended to his eldest son,
Johannes, who, being a minor, was with his property placed
under the guardianship of his uncle Johan van Wely and his
cousin Wouter van Twiller. Upon these guardians, therefore,
devolved the duty of appointing a successor to Van der Donck.
The latter had been lax in the performance of his duties, so that
many abuses had sprung up in the colony and a firmer hand was
needed in dealing with the colonists. The man chosen for this
purpose was Bremt Aertsz van Slichtenhorst, the same person
who in 1633 had been recommended by Van Twiller for the
position of schout of the colony.
Van Slichtenhorst was appointed director of the colony on
November 10, 1646, but before this appointment was made,
Van der Donck had already left the colony and Nicolaes Coorn,
the commander of Rensselaers^Steyn, a small fort on Beeren
Island, at the southern entrance to the colony, had taken his
place. Coorn acted as officer of the colony until Van Slichten-
horst's arrival in March 1648, but was then given the title of
Offtcier Luytenani, or deputy sheriff, and made Van Slichten-
horst's assistant, in which capacity he was soon succeeded by the
latter's nephew, Gerrit van Wenckum.
Of the records of the court, from its organization in 1 634 to
the end of Nicolaes Coorn's term as officer, nothing has been
preserved and little is known of what actually happened in the

"^Nexo York Colonial Mss, 4:99.

12 Colony of Rensselaerswyck
colony beyond what may be gathered from the patroon's corre
spondence, 'w'hich stops in 1643.
Several facts, however, are known which show, not only that
court was held between 1 643 and 1 648, but that during or even
before this period the court had ceased to be a court of limited
civil and criminal jurisdiction. One of these facts is that on
February 4, 1 644, and again on August 28, 1 647, sentence of
banishment was pronounced on Willem Jeuriaensz ; another, that
on August 13, 1644, a similar sentence was pronounced on
Adriaen Willemsz; and still another that, apparently in 1646,
Wolf Nyssen, a native of Fulda, in Hessen,^ was executed for
a crime which is not mentioned in the accounts. This execution
is the only case of capital punishment in the colony of which we
have any record. The sentence was carried out by a negro
named Jan, who received 38 guilders for tlie task. The name
of the negro does not appear in tihe account books of the colony
except under the date mentioned above. It is probable that he
was a slave belonging to the Company, who had been hired for
the special purpose, for on March 9, 1643, in connection with
the arrest of refractory colonists, the patroon wrote to Van der
Donck : " I am almost thinking of asking some of the negroes
(with consent of the honorable Director Kieft) or even to employ
for your assistance some Indian of good courage and obedience
who would then also be of service to you in other things." ^
Van Slichtenhorst. as already stated, was app>ointed on
Novemiber 1 0, 1 646. He received his instructions and took the

^"t'Stift Vol in Hessenlant;" A^ Y. Col. Mss. 2:6Ia; 3:135a. Cf.
Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 830, where "t'Stift" has been inter
preted erroneously as referring to the Sticht, or bishopric of Utrecht.
2 Van Rensselaer Bomer Mss, p. 642. September 27, 1646, a slave
named Jan Francisco, the younger, was manumitted by the director gen
eral and council of New Netherland at the request of Domine Mega-
polensis. This may have been the negro who was employed to carry
out the sentence in the colony. See Laws and Ordinances of New
Netherland, p. 60.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 13
oath of office on Septemlber 4, 1647,^ and on the 26th of the
same month sailed for his post. He landed in Virginia on
December 12th, thence proceeded by another ship to Manhattan,
which he reached on February 7, 1 648, and finally arrived in
the colony on March 22d. Van Slichtenhorst was then 59 years
of age.^ He was born at Nykerck, in the province of Gelder-
land, where his ancestral estate, known as the Aert-Brantsgoed,
extending on both sides of the Slichtenhorst road, adjoined the
property of the Van Twillers and was situated not far from Cor-
laer, the original seat of the Van Curlers. Thus, long before his
coming to New Netherland, he must have been well acquainted
with both Wouter van Twiller and Arent van Curler, the latter
of whom was at the time of his appointment in Holland and
returned with him to New Netherland.
Van Slichtenhorst married early in January 1614, at Nykerck,
Aeltje van Wenckum, a distant relative of Kiliaen van Rens
selaer, by whom he had nine children, namely, four sons and
five daughters, of whom Arend, the historian of Gelderland, and
a daughter Goudje, or Hillegonda, remained in Holland. A
younger daughter, Margaret, and his son Gerrit ^ accompanied
him to New Netherlemd, and tihe other children died young. He
was a deacon of the Dutch Reformed Church at Nykerck from

^ For abstracts of Van SKchtenhorst's commission and instructions and
the form of the oath, see G. Beernink, De Ceschiedschrijver en Rechis-
geleerde Dr. Arend van Slichtenhorst en zijn vader Brant van SUchten-
horst, Stichier van Albany, Hoofdstad van den Siaai New-York (Werken
uitgegeven door de Vereeniging Gelre, No. 12), Arnhem, 1916,
p. 155-64.
^According to Mr Beernink, ' Van Slichtenhorst was on January 1,
1656 more than 67 years old, and in 1664, 76 years of age. See
his biography, p. 216, 255.
^ Gerrit van Slichtenhorst married Aeltje Lansing. He had a daughter
Aeltje, or Alida, bom at Beverwyck, who married, first, Gerrit van
Schaick, and secondly, Pieter Davidz Schuyler. In O'Callaghan,
History of New Netherland, 2 :69, this daughter Aeltje is erroneously
given as a daughter of Brant Aertsz van Slichtenhorst. Margaret, or
Grietje, van Slichtenhorst became the wife of Philip Pietersz Sfehuyler.
Cf. G. W. Schuyler, Colonial New York. 1 :1 79. and also 1 :1 71 .where
Arent van Slichtenhorst is erroneously called Brant Aertsz van Slichtea-
horst's brother.

14 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
1619 to 1622, and from 1621 to 1627 was subcollector at the
same place for Joncker Carel Bentinck ten Berencamp, one of
the representatives of the nobility of the district of the Veluwe,
who held the lucrative office of collector or receiver.
Van Slichtenhorst's name first appears in connection with New
Netherland under date of June 25, 1632, when he was appointed
commissary of stores by the Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch
West India Company.^ He was to sail in that capacity to New
Netherland in the company of Director Wouter van Twiller,
but was unexpectedly detained by his former employer, Bentinck,
owing to a litigation in which the latter was involved with the
inhabitants of Nykerck. Having, in view of his appointment,
already disposed of his property at Nykerck, Van Slichtenhorst
first removed to Harderwyck,^ where his son Arend attended the
university, but soon after changed his residence to the city of
Amersfoort, where from 1636 to 1644 he held the position of
lieutenant schout, and where he remained until his departure for
New Netherland in 1 647. Before coming to New Netherland,
therefore, Van Slichtenhorst had considerable experience, both
as an administrative officer and as deputy schout.
His contract with the guardians of the young patroon provided
that he was to hold the positions of hoofd-oftcier and director of
the colony for the period of three years from the date of his
arrival in the colony. As hoofd-officier, he was to preside over
the court, to act as pubHc prosecutor and to perform the com
bined duties of a modem sheriff and chief of police. As director,
he was the chief administrative officer of the colony and as such
was to collect the patroon's revenues derived from farms, mills,
licenses to trade, etc., of which he was to render a strict account.

^ For a facsimile of this commission and a printed copy of the text,
see Beernink, p. 69, 77.
^Mr Beernink, p. 83, states that the principal street at Harderwyck,
called the Donkerstraat, was on account of its many prominent residents
dubbed the Jonkerstraat. It is not unlikely that the Jonker straet at
Beverwyck, or Albany, afterwards corrupted to Yonker street, derived
its name from this nickname of the corresponding street at Harderwyck.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 15
with the understanding, however, that he was not to engage in
the fur trade, or to act as commies. For the performance of
these various duties he was to receive a salary of 900 guilders a
year, of which 1 50 guilders were to be paid in Holland to his
daughter Hillegonda, who shortly after his departure married at
Nykerck Pieter van der Schuer. In addition to this salary, Van
Slichtenhorst was to receive one third of the fines and the pro
ceeds from confiscated property, above the amount of ten guil
ders ; below that amount, he was to have the entire sum, provided
that one half was to go the deputy schout. As a third source of
income, he was to have the toepachten, or fees paid in addition
to the annual rent and tithes of the farms.
The contract further provided that with his daughter Mar
garet, his son Gerrit, and his nephew Gerrit van Wenckum, the
director was to enjoy free passage and board to New Nether
land ^ and that in addition he should receive 150 guilders for
moving expenses. After his arrival in the colony, he was to
have, rent free, the house and garden formerly occupied by the
commies, Arent van Curler, and, furthermore, four cows and
two horses on shares, 8 acres of plowed land and as much pasture
as was needed for the horses and cattle. Finally, he was to
receive 5 per cent of the profits of the trade which the guardians
expected to carry on between Amsterdam and New Netherland,
but in regard to which they at that time did not wish to commit
themselves definitely.
Van Slichtenhorst's instructions, dated September 4, 1647,
consisted of 24 articles. They provided in substance that upon
his arrival at tbe island of Manhattan he was to present his
respects to the director general and deliver to him a letter from
the guardians of the patroon. At the first opportunity he was
to proceed to the colony, call upon Domine Megapolensis, make
known his official capacity and ask his advice in regard to the

^Van Slichtenhorst's wife died before January 1, 1645, and there
fore did not accompany him to New Netherland, See Beernink,
D. 119.

16 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
administration and redress of the colony. He was then to present
his commission to the council, thank the members for their serv
ices and summon Anthony de Hooges and Abraham Staets, in
order to notify them of their appointment as gecommitteerden by
the patroon. He was furthermore to make regulations for the
proper dbservance of the " Sabbath of the New Testament," to
enforce the contracts and the ordinances, to collect the revenues,
and to attend to the proper administration of justice, taking care
not to keep persons for a long time in detention at the expense of
the colony, but to bring them speedily to trial and, whenever
required, to inform the court of the names of the persons who
were in custody and the cause of their arrest.
The court as organized by Van Slichtenhorst consisted at first
of four £ind afterwards of five persons, of whom two were desig
nated as , gecommitleerden, or commissioners, and two, or after
wards three, are in the record indiscriminately referred to as
raden, raetspersonen, gerechtspersonen, or rechtsvrienden. The
duties of the gecommitteerden were primarily of an adlninistrative
nature, while those of the raden, contrary to what one might
expect from the title, seem to have been chiefly judicial. TThe
gecommitteerden represented the patroon and acted under definite
instructions from the guardians. The raden, on the other hand,
were appointed by the director, but represented the colonists, it
being at that time held sufficient if persons who were to represent
others were chosen from among them, so as to represent their
class. The only reqiurement was that ihey should not be in the
patroon's service. Goossen Gerritsz made a point of this on
October 22, 1648, when as one of the reasons for his being
unable to accept the office of gerechlspersoon he stated that he
was " not yet on a free bcisis with the patroon." The objection,
however, was overruled, so that he was obliged lo serve.
The members of the court were as a rule chosen from among
the most prominent, residents of the colony. De Hooges, one of
the first commissioners, had been sent out in 1 64 1 as assistant to
Arent van Curler. Upwrn the latter's departure for the Nether-

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 17
lands, in October 1 644, he was put in charge of the colony and
given the title of commies. After the arrival of Van Slichten
horst, he became secretary of the colony, a position which he
occupied until his death in October 1655. Staets was a surgeon
and trader, who came to the colony in 1 642. He held the office
of raetspersoon from February 5, 1643, lo April 10, 1644, and
from the latter date to April 10, 1648, was Presideerende, or
presiding officer of the council. As gecommitteerde, he was
before June 5, 1649, succeeded by Jan van Twiller, whose place
in turn, on January 5, 1651, was taken by Arent van Curler.
The office of raet, or gerechlspersoon, was held by such men as
Andries de Vos, Rutger Jacobsz van Schoonderwoert, Goossen
Gerritsz van Schaick, Jan Verbeeck and Pieter Hertgers, all of
whom were prominent members of the community, and who
afterwards became members of the court of Fort Orange and
Beverwyck. The proceedings of the court presided over by Van Slichten
horst cover the period from April 2, 1648, lo April 15, 1652.
They form the most important source for the history of the colony
during that period, but unfortunately add but little lo what is
known from olher sources in regard to the outstanding event of
that period, namely, the controversy between Van Slichtenhorst
and General Peter Stuyvesant regarding the jurisdiction of the
territory around Fort Orange, which forms one of the dramatic
episodes of the history of New Netherland. As is well known,
this controversy had ils origin in the claim made by the patroon,
as early as 1632, that " all the lands lying on the west side of
the river, from Beyren Island lo Moeneminnes Castle," .
" even^ including the place where Fort Orange stands,"^ had been
bought and paid for by him. The Dutch West India Company,
on the other hand, maintained that the territory of the fort, which
was erected several years before the land of the colony was
purchased from the Indians, belonged to the Company and con-
^ Instructions to Rutger Hendricksz van Soest, July 20, 1632; Van
Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 212.

18 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
sequently was not included in the patroon's purchase. The ques
tion had remained unsettled during the lifetime of Kiliaen van
Rensselaer, but came to an issue w'hen Van Slichtenhorst, soon
after his arrival in the colony, began lo issue permits for the
erection of houses in the immediate vicinity of the fort. Stuy
vesant objected to the erection of these houses on the ground that
they endangered the security of the fort and ordered the destruc
tion of all buildings within range of cannon s(hot, a distance al
first reckoned at 600 geometrical paces of 5 feel to the pace,
but which afterwards was reduced lo 1 50 Rhineland rods.^ The
order called forth a vigorous protest from Van Slichtenhorst, who
regarded it as an unwarranted invasion of the patroon's rights,
and he proceeded with the erection of the buildings. A counter
protest followed and in 1 65 1 charges were brought against Van
Slichtenhorst, who was summoned to appear before the director
general and council at Manhattan and there detained for 4
months. The controversy continued after his return, but was
definitely settled on April 1 0, 1 652, when a proclamation, drawn
up by the director general and council of New Netherland on the
8th of the same month, was issued in (he colony for the erection
of a separate court for Fort Orange, independent of that of the
colony. The erection of this court was a serious blow to the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, from which it never fully recovered. By
virtue of this proclamation, the main settlement of the colony,
which Wcis known as the Fuyck, but w'hich in the court record
is generally referred to as the byeenivoninge, or hamlet, was
taken out of the jurisdiction of the patroon and erected into an
independent village by the name of Bevervs^ck, which after
wards became the city of Albany.'' As a result of this action.

^Doc. rel. to Col. Hist. iV. 7.. 14:191. One Rhineland rod equals
12.36 English feel.
^The directors of the West India Company afterwards repudiated
Stuyvesant's action and on April 2, 1674, declared: "That the
abovenamed Patroon Renselaer and co-partners have been already,
from ihe year XVI'= and thirty, and are true owners of the abovenamed

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 19
the jurisdiction of the court of the colony was thereafter confined
lo the sparsely settled outlying districts of the: colony, so that the
cases w'hich came before it must have been very few. No con
secutive judicial record of the court of the colony after April 1 5,
1 652, has been preserved, but entries in the minutes of the court
of Beverwyck indicate that the court of the colony continued to
hold sessions.
Van Slichtenhorst vigorously protested against the erection of
the court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck and with his own hands
tore down the proclamation which had been posted on the house
of the patroon. For this he was arrested on April 1 8, 1 652, and
taken to Manhattan, where he was detained until August 1653.
With his arrest. Van Slichtenhorst's administration came to a close.
On July 24, 1 652, he was succeeded as director by Jan Baptist
van Rensselaer ^ and as ofBcer of justice by Gerard Swart, so
that thereafter the two fvmctions were no longer combined in one
person. The latter had been commissioned schout on April 24,
1652,^ and continued to hold this position until 1665, when by
order of Governor Ridhard Nicolls the court of the colony was
consolidated with that of Fort Orange and the village of Bever
wyck. The year 1 665 therefore marks the end of the existence
of the first local court that was organized in the jwovince of New
Netherland, outside of New Amsterdam.
Van Slichtenhorst returned to the Netherlands shortly after
July 1655 and took up his residence with his daughter Hille
gonda, who at Nykerck had married Pieter van der Schuer.

hamlet named Beverswyck or Willemsiadt, and that the possession by
their late Director could not take away nor diminish said ownership;
declaring, therefore, that the abovenamed Company has no right, action
nor pretension thereto, leaving the right of ownership in the abovenamed
Patroon and associates" Doc. rel. to Col. Hisi N. Y.. 2:558, 560-61.
^ Johan Baptist van Rensselaer had been in the colony since June, 1 65 1 .
Van Slichtenhorst's term as director expired qn March 22, 1 65 1 , but he
continued to exercise his functions until his arrest on April 18, 1652.
^Swart's commission, dated April 24, 1652, and his instructions,
dated May 6, 1652, are printed in O'Callaghan, History of New
Netherland, 2:564-66.

20 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Before his departure from the colony, the commissioners had
approved a debit and credit account covering the years 1648-
1650, which showed that for this period of his administration
there was due to him from the patroon the sum of 13,799 guil
ders, 2 stivers and 12 pence.^ The patroon considered this
amount excessive and refused to pay it, whereupon Van Slichten
horst brought suit against him in the district court of the Veluwe,
in the province of Gelderland. Judgment was given for the
plaintiff, but on an appeal taken by Van Rensselaer to the
Klaarbank, or court of appeals, at Engelanderholt the decision
was reversed, so that in the end the former director failed to
recover any considerable amount. The case dragged on in the
courts from 1656 to 1661. The following year. Van Slichten
horst commenced a second action against the patroon, but before
any decision was reached Johan van Rensselaer died and further
proceedings were abandoned.
Van Slichtenhorst now turned his attention to the completion
of an historical work, entitled: Hoe en Tvanneer Gelderlandi tot
eene voogdhye is afgesondert, 878-1666, which is ascribed to
his son Arend. In 1 664, he became feeble minded and was no
longer able to take care of his affairs. As his daughter had a
large family and his condition made quieter surroundings neces
sary, he was placed in the home of Evert Elberts, a carpenter
at Nykerck, where two years later, on or just before September
26, 1 666, he died at the advanced age of 78 years.
Van SHchterihorst is one of the few New Netherland officials
of whose complete career we have any detailed knowledge. Mr
Beernink sums up his character by stating that he was " a man
of many-sided knowledge and great ability, of recognized
^A translation of this account is given in the Appendix. April 4,
1652, the directors of the Dutch West India Company wrote to Stuyve
sant: "From what we can learn here, the owners of the Colony of
Rensselaerswyck have here come to an agreement and wrill probably send
over another manager, but we doubt, whether they will easily get rid
of Slechtenhorst, for it is said here, that he demands from the owTiers
14000 to 15000 guilders; we know not, how true it may be." Doc
rel. io Col. Hisi. M y., 14:171.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 21
integrity and proved fidelity, of rare courage and unfaihng per
severance, which at times amounted to obstinacy; an untiring
champion for the rights of others and of himself."^ The present
minutes of the court presided over by Van Slichtenhorst contain
many personal touches which testify to his ability and devotion
to duty, but the general impression left by these minutes is that
he was a man of aggressive temp>erament and arbitrary and
unyielding disposition, who frequently came into needless con
flict with his associates and the colonists.
One point in connection with Van Slichtenhorst's administra
tion on which much emphasis has been laid by Mr Beernink is
worthy of special notice. On the strength of a statement made
by Van Slichtenhorst in the course of his litigation with Johan
van Rensselaer, that on his arrival in the colony there were but
three houses standing near the fort, that by August 1648 eight
houses had been! built, and that at the end of his administration,
in April 1652, there was a settlement of about one hundred
houses, Mr Beernink calls him " the founder of Albany." ^ This
title needs qualification, for it is well known that in 1646 and
1 647 severe freshets had carried away a number of houses in the
colony, so that the sudden building activity during Van Slichten
horst's administration may mean nothing more than that people
were replacing the buildings that had been lost. On the other
hand, there are various indications that before 1648 the main
settlement of the colony was, not on the west, but on the east
side of the Hudson river, in the so-called Greenenbosch, after
wards corrupted to Greenbush, a pine grove opposite the ferry.^
It is possible, therefore, that at Van Slichtenhorst's initiative this
settlement was, either for greater security, or for other reasons,
gradually removed to the vicinity of Fort Orange, in which case
there would be considerable justification for regarding him as the

^ Beernink, p. 260.
^Beernink. p. 175, 202, 204.
^See Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 454, 619. Also Van Curler's
letter to the patroon, June 16, 1643, in O'Callaghan, History of New
Netherland. 1 :459, 462 464.

22 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
real founder of the city of Albany. It is interesting in this con
nection to read what Father Isaac Jogues, in his Novum Bel
gium, has to say about the colony. Writing in 1646, but de
scribing conditions as he found them in 1643, he says:
"There are two things in this settlement (which is called Renselaers-
wick, as if to say, settlement of Renselaers, who is a rich Amsterdam
merchant) — first, a miserable little fort called Fort Orenge, built of
logs, v\dth four or five pieces of Breteuil cannon, and as many pedereros.
This has been reserved and is maintained by the West India Company.
This fort was formerly on an island in the river; it is now on the
mainland, towards the Hiroquois, a little above the said islsmd.
Secondly, a colony sent here by this Renselaers, who is the patron.
This colony is composed of about a hundred persons, who reside in some
twenty-five or thirty houses built along the river, as each found most
convenient. In the principal house lives the patron's agent; the minister
has his apart, in which service is performed. There is also a kind of
bailiff here, whom they call the seneschal, who administers justice. All
their houses are merely of boards and thatched, with no mason work
except the chimneys. The forest furnishing many large pines, they make
boards by means of their mills, which they have here for the purpwse." ^
While Father Jogues does not sipecify whether the houses
stood on the east or on the west side of the river, it is evident from
his description that in 1643 there was no compact settlement
around Fort Orange. It would seem therefore that what Van
Sli<ihtenhorst actually did, was to have the separate dwellings
that stood on both banks of the river removed to the vicinity of
the fort. Such a concentration of the settlement, for the greater
security of the inhabitants, similar to that which ten years later,
at Stuyvesant's suggestion, was carried out at Wiltwyck,^ would
satisfactorily explain the peculiar usage of the term byeenivo
ninge, literally, " a dwelling together," by which the hamlet is
repeatedly designated in the court minutes. Mr Beernink con
siders the employment of this term in the sense of a village so
remarkable, that he cites it as a distinct proper name, which was

'J. F. Jameson, Narratives of New Netherland, p. 261-62.
^See Resolution of the inhabitants of Esopus, May 31, 1658, at the
beginning of " The Dutch Records of Kingston," revised translation by
Samuel Oppenheim, in vol. XI of the Proceedings of the New York State
Historical Association.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 23
given to the settlement by Van Slichtenhorst, but which hereto
fore has been overlooked.^ This, however, does not seem to be
the case, for the name never became current outside of the locality
and is not mentioned in the declaration made by the directors of
the Dutch West India Company in 1 674, in which they speak
of " the hamlet, first called de Fuyck, afterwards BeversTvyck,
and now JVillemstadt, whereabouts Fort Orange is built." ^
The use, moreover, in Arend van Slichtenhorst's defense of his
father before the district court of the Veluwe, of such a phrase
as eene ByeenTvoeningh van omtreni honderd huysen (a settle
ment of about one hundred houses) , cited by Mr Beernink," suf
ficiently proves that the word byeenTvoninge was employed as a
common noun.
As shown in the preceding pages, the minutes of the court pre
sided over by Van Slichtenhorst form the only record of the
court of the colony of Rensselaerswyck that has been preserved.
The record breaks off on April 1 5, 1 652, the very date on which
the first session was held of the newly created court of Fort
Orange and the village of Beverwyck. The present record,
therefore, coimects directly with the first book of minutes of the
last named court, of which a translation has recently been pub
lished by The University of the State of New York.
The record, in its original form, was a paper covered volume
of 114 leaves, which on the front cover bore the title of
" Gerechtsrolle der Colonie Rensselaerswyck." It is repeatedly
cited under this title in the second volume of O'Callaghan's His
tory of NeTV Netherland and has been used extensively in the
compilation of the list of settlers of the colony which is printed
at the end of the Van Rensselaer BoTvier Manuscripts, but the
complete text of the record has heretofore not been available in
print.

^ Beernink, p. 1 39, 202, 204.
''Doc. rel. io Col. Hisi. N. Y.. 2:558.
= Beernink. p. 208. 253.

24 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
The record belongs to the archives of the colony which,
together with the later records of the manor of Rensselaerswyck,
were for many years kept in the patroon's office, a one-story
brick building with a fireproof vault, which until recently stood
near the south west corner of Broadway and Tivoli street, in
the northern part of the city of Albany. It was wifh these rec
ords, in 1 899, removed to the Albany county clerk's office ^ and
from there, in 1 906, as part of the same collection of records,
transferred to the New York State Library. There, less than
5 years later, it was severely damaged in the fire which on
March 29, 1911, broke out in the western portion of the State
Capitol and in a few hours destroyed not only the general con
tents of the Library but also many valuable records, including
the greater part of the Rensselaerswyck manuscripts.
As shown by the illustrations, the lower part of the record is
completely charred, the portion containing the last two or three
lines of every page being severed from the rest of the manuscript
and in some cases lost. Wherever possible, the writing on these,
charred fragments has been carefully deciphered, so that the text
as here presented is to a large extent complete.
The main body of the record is in the handwriting of Anthony
de Hooges, who throughout the period of Van Slichtenhorst's
administration and until his own death, in 1655, held the office
of secretary. Here and there, however, pages occur in another
hand, which is probably that of Gerrit van Wenckum, Van
Slichtenhorst's nephew, who according to the account printed in
the appendix did considerable copying. Throughout the record
there are many additional entries and marginal annotations by
Van Slichtenhorst. In the translation no systematic effort has
been made to indicate these changes of handwriting, which as a
rule are without special significance.
November 20, 1922
A. J. F. VAN Laer
'See chapter 268, Laws of 1896, and chapter 471, Laws of 1899,
making provision for the safe keeping of the "Van Rensselaer papers"
in the Albany county clerk's office.

COURT MINUTES OF RENSSELAERSWYCK
1648-1652
[ 1 ] In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
we begin this court record.^
This day, Thursday, April 2 Anno 1 648
Hendrick Westerkamp is granted permission and consent to
support himself in the colony by day-labor or otherwise. He
may therefore select a place, whereupon we shall resolve further.
Jacob Adriaensz is ordered to serve out his term with Evert
Pels for the space of one year and to report to Evert Pels within
four days from this date, under penalty of forfeiting, the first
time four guilders, for remaining in default another four days
eight guilders, and the third time sixteen guilders; and of receiv
ing arbitrary punishment the fourth time.
Jacob Lambertsz van Dorlandt having committed a crime in
wounding Paulus Jansz, Noorman, and the court having heard
the director's complaint in the matter, the delinquent is con
demned to pay the director a fine of twenty-five guilders, vAlh
costs, [the parties] being warned hereafter to keep the peace,
[under penalty of] condemnation.
[Iv] ' Thursday, April 9 Anno 1648
Whereas we observe the great rashness of Jacob Adriaensz
in entering into another man's service, having been, namely,
as appears from the foregoing judgment, first with Evert Pels
and being now with Cornelis Segersz, which is a matter that is
not to be tolerated, therefore, leaving the foregoing judgment

^ Inden Name onses Heeren ende Heylandls Jesu Christi aenvangen wy
desen Cerechi Rolle. Figures within brackets represent the pages of the
original manuscript. Elsewhere, brackets indicate material supplied by
the editor.
^ Iv means first folio verso or reverse. [25]

26 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
unabated, we order that Jacob aforesaid for his rashness and in
reparation of the loss which Cornelis may suffer thereby shall
pay to Cornelis Segersz, inclusive of the earnest money and pre
vious expenses, the sum of twenty-ifive guilders.
[2] Court proceedings, April 16 Anno 1648
At the director's demand, Quiryn Cornelisz is ordered for the
last time to present before Thursday next, without further delay,
further proof of his account and an accurate statement about the
farm, both as to receipts and expenditures, on pain, in case he
remains in default, of being placed in confinement and kept on
bread and water until he shall produce further proof, and fur
thermore of arbitrary punishment at the discretion of the court.
Whereas the time allowed to Jacob Adriaensz expired two
days ago and we find that as yet he has not reported to Evert
Pels, it is ordered, as it is ordered by us hereby, that the honor
able director and the court messenger shall this coming Saturday
take him to his place of destination and, in case of opposition to
this our order, he shall de facto be taken into custody and be
put on bread and water.
Cornelis Theunisz from Breuckelen is ordered to bring in and
settle his account on Wednesday next, when [ ]
him [ ] forfeiture [ ].^
[2v] Ap)ostil on the petition of Nicolaes Coorn
First, as to the capacity in which he serves the honorable court,
he is Lieutenant Officer.^ As to his salary, the honorable court,
subject to ratification by the honorable guardians,' according to
instructions, have granted him one pound Flemish in addition to
his former pay for service and board, that is to say, thirty-six
guilders a month.

^ Manuscript destroyed.
^ Officier Luytenani, meaning deputy sheriff.
' Johan van Wely and Wouter van Twiller, the guardians of the young
patroon, Johannes van Rensselaer, the minor son of Kiliaen van Rensselaer,
deceased, then in Holland.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 27
Secondly, as to l!he name of Stads Herberg (City Tavern) ,
permission to use the same is granted him, as well as permission
to build according to his request at the place to be assigned to
him, provided that he enter into a proper contract for that pur
pose. But the court can not resolve to grant him the exclusive
right to tap.
The court confirms and renews the sentence pronounced on
August 28, 1 647, upon Willem Jeuriaensz ^ on account of the
assault committed against the person of Antony de Hooges. The
honorable director, therefore, is requested and directed to execute
and carry out the same in all its parts and provisions.
[3] Thursday, April 23 Anno 1648
At thfe request of Cornelis Teimisz for an extension of time to
render his account, permission is granted him for the last time,
without prejudice to our previous order, to render his account on
Tuesday next, without fail, on pain of forfeiture of one pound
Flemish, or six guilders.
Quiryn Cornelisz remaining in default as regards the previous
order, peremptory order is hereby given t)hat he be found and
made to execute the same, according to circumstances.
The matter of Jacob Jansz Flodder, in regard to the contract
of the new mill and the two stallions, is put over to next Thurs
day. As to the payment for the kill, two of us will be appointed
to sign and give a receipt.
Extraordinary session, April 25 Anno 1648
After Quiryn Cornelisz according to the previous judgment
had been placed in confinement, it was at Hans Vos's urgent
request agreed to hold his bail and suretyship valid, on condition
of binding himself as principal for the [appearance] of the per
son of [Quiryn Cornelisz] on Monday [week], being the 4th

^Willem Jeuriaensz was sentenced in 1644 and again in 1.647 for hay
ing attempted to stab de Hooges with a knife. See p. [58-60] of this
record and O'Callaghan, History of New Netherland, 1 :437-38.

28 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of May of the year above written and for his proceeding with
the case [ ] whereupon [said Quiryn
Cornelisz was released from] confinement.
[3v] Thursday, April 30 Anno 1648
Upon the petition of Jan Verbeeck and Jan Michielsz the fol
lowing serves for apostil: Their request is granted, namely,
they may both, with a helper, to the exclusion of all others, take
up the tailor's trade, binding themselves by contract for the
accommodation of the colony, provided that neither of them
shall be entitled to receive more than 36 stivers for a day's work
and the helper 30 stivers. But as to the request that no one
shall be allowed to take any work into the fort,^ we can not
approve of this for reasons us thereunto moving.
Cornelis Segersz is ordered to pay Reyer Stoffelsz, according
to the assignment by Adriaen Vander Donck, the sum of 49
guilders within the space of six weeks, in default whereof the
said sum will be demanded of him by legal process. But if he
can prove within the aforesaid time that he does not owe Vander
Donck anything, this assignment will be of no value. On the
other hand, from this date until the next Reyer Stoffelsz is
dd)arred from exacting the first payment due to him.
Jan Van Bremen ^ is condemned to pay the fine for [strik
ing?] Hans Vos in [ ] wheat.
^Meaning that the colonists of Rensselaerswyck should be prohibited
from employing a tailor in Fort Orange outside of the jurisdiction of the
colony. ^According to G. Beernink, De Ceschiedschrijver en Rechtsgeleerde
Dr. Arend van Slichtenhorsl en zijn vader Brani van Slichienhorsi, p.
I 70, Jan Dircksz van Bremen came, not come from the city of Bremen,
in Germany, as theretofore supposed, but from Amersfoort, in the
province of Utrecht, van Bremen being the family name. It is possible.
however, that Mr. Beernink confuses him with Jan Dircksz, English
man, mentioned in these minutes under date of November 1 9, 1 648, who
is given in the accounts of the colony as from Amersfoort. In Resolutions
of Brazil (W. I. Co. Oude Co.. No. 68, Rijksarchief, The Hague),
under date of Sept. 24, 1637, appears the following entry: "Jan
Dircksz van Bremen, Consiahel (gunner), who came into the country
on the ship Craeff Emestus, fl. 64:—."

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 29
[4] Evert Noldingh ' is at his request granted permission to
support himself by teaching school and to have a lot laid out
for him.
It is ordered that Willem Jeuriaensz must render his account
next Saturday, before noon, notice of which will be served on
him by the court messenger.
Cornelis Theunisz from Breuckelen is once more ordered and
commanded to render his account next Tuesday, on pain of for
feiting twenty-five guilders.
Thursday, May 7 Anno 1 648
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Hans Jansz from
Rotterdam, for having beaten an Indian. First default.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Jan van Bremen,
for mischief done at night before and on the door of Jacob Jansz
Stol. [4v] May 11, 1648
Hans Vos attaches fl. 120 in the hands of Nikolaes Koorn
and fl. . . . in the hands of Cornelis Segersz, on account
of the debt alleged to be due by Adriaen vander Donck.
Thursday, May 28, 1648
Quiryn Cornelisz is ordered to complete his term of service
vsdth Evert Pels during the planting, according to 'his agreement,
under penalty of forfeiting fl.25.
Upon the verbal request of Nicolaes Koorn, made here before
the court, that he may receive and be paid certain private debts
due him by some of the patroon's farm hands and others, the
honorable gentlemen of the court have resolved and ordered, as
they do hereby, that Nicolaes Koorn shall render to the director,
commissioners and councilors {Gecommitteerden ende Raeden)

^ He was a tailor by trade and apparently a private master. See
note under entry of November 23, 1 650, and Minutes of ihe Court
of Fort Orange and Beverwyck, 1 :43, 44, 200, 238.

30 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of this colony a statement of the goods which he received from
the late honorable patroon, according to his invoices, and render
a proper account of everything for our inspection and careful
examination and, furthermore, that he shall act in accordance
with the order to be issued by us on Tuesday next, being the
2d of June of the year 1 648.
[5] April 26, anno 1648, Director Slichtenhorst protested
against a certain writing of the Honorable General P. Stuyve
sant, about the proclamation of a day of fasting and prayer,
whereby he is considered to have infringed the right and
authority of the honorable patroon. This writing was delivered
just before (he commencement of divine service, so that [the
court] had no time to read it.
[6v] ^ Court proceedings, June 1 Anno 1648
Pieter Cornelisz and Harmen Bastiaensz are provisionally
•referred to arbitrators.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Thomas Chamber,
Jacob Jansz, farmer on the Vlacte,^ and Claes Teimisz Uylen-
spiegel. First default.
Court proceedings, July 2 Anno 1648
Jacob Jansz, farmer on the Vlackte, says that he heard Jan
Thomasz say first that Claes Tyssen was an informer. He is
given eight days in which to clear himself of the charge that he
too said so and is therefore ordered to appear at the expiration of
that time.
Claes Teimisz denies that he called Claes Tysschen an
informer. It may be true, he says, but [he knows no] more
about it than that others said so.
Is granted time and cited to appear.

^ Folios 5v and 6 are blank.
^ Jacob Jansz from Stoutenburch. The farms was later known as
the Schuyler Flatts.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 31
[7] Thomas Chamber being asked Whether on the 4th of
June of this year he was not vnth some other persons on the
Vlackte, answers that he will say neither no nor yes and that
none of those sitting on the bench can prove to him that he called
Claes Tyssen an informer. He says that he will not take an
oath in his own case. Is granted a delay and cited like the fore
going persons.
Hans Vos is ordered to complete his term of service and to
serve six days in addition for time lost by him.
Thursday, July 1 6 Anno 1 648
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Harmen Bastiaensz,
defendant, and Gerrit Jansz, cooper, and Evert Noldingh.
Having seen the written contract between Jan Thomasz and
Thomas Chamber about the building of the house of the said
Jan Thomasz, whereby Thomas Chamber binds himself to make
said house tight all around by the end of April of this year, and
finding that the time is passing by, Thomas Chamber is ordered
to start the work next Monday, but without [ ]
[ ] fine of 50 stivers [ ] for lost
time. [7v] [The court] having at the request of the Honorable
Director Slichtenhorst heard the urgent and insistent demand
made by Marten Hendricksz for payment of his lawful account
and finding that the goods or the value thereof are in the hands
of Teunis Cornelisz, as shown by his debit account, it is resolved
that Teunis shall likewise by legal process be forced to make
payment within the space of 1 4 days from this date. In case of
failure to pay within eight days after the appointed time, he
shall forfeit three guilders; [for failure to pay] within three days
after the last mentioned date he shall incur the double fine ; and
thereafter he shall be dealt with according to law as the circum
stances may require.
Marten Hendricksz is ordered to satisfy and pay Willem
Fredericksz what is due according to their mutual account within
the space of one month from this date.

32 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Whereas Domine Megapolensis has recently suffered great
loss through theft and requests to have the houses in the Greenen
Bos searched,^ without casting any reflection on the honest and
the innocent, his Reverence's request is granted, with the under
standing that no offense in the least shall be given to honest per
sons. In case of refusal, people [shall be dealt with] according
to law. [8] Court proceedings, July 23 Anno 1648
Cornelis Theunisz from Breuckelen and Evert Pels are
ordered to settle their accounts within eig'ht days and then to
consider and determine together who is to satisfy Claes Tyssen.
Cornelis Theunisz appeals [from the decision].
Adriaen vander Donck undertakes at the very first oppor
tunity to collect as far as possible for Hans Vos at the Man-
hatans the forty-seven guilders which are due to Hans Vos from
Simon Waelingen, according to his order, the previous attach
ments heretofore levied by Hans Vos against Corn : Segersz, N :
Coorn and others being hereby vacated and declared void.
Extraordinary session, September 9, 1648
It is resolved that Cornelis Jansz shall receive the gun inven
toried [among the effects] of the farm heretofore used by
Quiryn, in consideration of the purchase under contract.
[8v] Court proceedings, October 8, 1648
Claes Gerritsz confesses that he wounded Jan, the smith, with a
plow staff, drawing blood.
Whereupon the honorable director draws a complaint,
demanding the imposition of a fine of three hundred guilders.
Cornelis Segersz being cited on account of some derogatory
remarks which he is alleged to have made in the tavern about
^Megapolensis resided on the east side of the Hudson river, in what
was known as the Greenen Bosch, or pine grove, afterwards corrupted to
Greenbush. See Van Curler's letter to the patroon, June 16, 1643 in
E. B. O'Callaghan, History of New Netherland, 1 :459.

Court Minutes, 1648-1632 33
the person of Andries de Vos in his capacity as magistrate (ge-
rechts persoon), the defendant declares that he has nothing to
say about the person of Andries de Vos as regards his office and
special duty and conduct but what redounds to his honor and
virtue, declaring that he conducts himself as an honest man is
bound to do.
This he has declared here before the court.
A. DE Hooges, Secretary.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Cornelis van Es and
his wife, separately, Pieter Claesz and Evert Pels. First
default. The order of [July] 23 of this year as to the question between
Cornelis Teunisz and Evert Pels is renewed and they are once
more ordered to settle their mutual accounts within eight days
after date, to wit, as far as Claes Tyssen is concerned, under
penalty of forfeiting six guilders each, and [so] from eight days
to eight days.
[9] Evert Pels is cited:
1 To pay the wages earned by Claes Tyssen
2 To pay for one half of the pease that were mowed and for
the great damage and loss of time [suffered by Claes
Tyssen] as the result of the beating
3 To pay the fine for beating Claes [Tyssen]
4 On account of his wife's abusive language to the honorable
director, when he served the complaint.
Upon the petition of Michiel Jansz, praying that he may
receive a final settlement of accounts, the following serves for
apostil : That he is to have his account of everything including
the trade, ready by next Saturday, or, in case his journey should
thereby by delayed, sooner, in order that, [the court] securing
thorough evidence of everything, a final settlement may be
reached and agreed upon.

34 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Extraordinary session, October 1 0, 1 648
Michiel Jansz is arrested and ordered under penalty of the
lord's highest fine to make out and render his yearly account, in
debita forma, as head farmer and lessee, from the year 1 638 to
the year 1646, inclusive, as well as of the trade and the horses
delivered to him, for which he must furnish two sufficient sure
ties. [ ] appraisal [ ] which he
received [ ] buildings [ ]
At the salhe time, Monday next, being the 1 2th of this month,
is appointed as the court day [on which answer is to be made].
[9v] Extraordinary session, October 12, 1648
Michiel Jansz, having been arrested about disputed accounts
and having appointed Teunis Dircksz and Jan Louv^ensz as
sureties for the satisfaction of the judgment, they accept the
suretyship, offering themselves as sureties for the principal and
Jan Louwrensz submitting himself to the court here.
Acknowledged before me,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
Extraordinary session, October 13, 1648
Michiel Jansz being again arrested for having in time of war
sold contraband munitions of war to the Indians and, secondly,
for having sent his servant with about 50 beavers to the house
De Hoop,^ without paying any recognition on them, Michiel
Jansz before the court binds his person and property as security
for the satisfaction of the judgment, submitting himself to the
court here, the next court day being set for the trial.

^ Fort Hope, on the Connecticut river.

Cotxrt Minutes, 1648-1652 35
Court proceedings, October 1 5 Anno 1 648
The case between Willem Jeuriaensz and the widow of
Mattys Jansz, the court being incomplete, is put over to the next
court day.
Evert Pels, for having beaten Claes Tyssen, offers to pay the
fine provided [by law] .
Claes Tyssen declares here before the court and Broer Cor
nelis ^ that Evert Pels, having with him Cornelis Teunisz, called
him a rascal and a thief.
Evert Pels, appearing on account [ ]
[ ] offers now [ ]
[ ] but remains [ ]
October 15, [jQ] Cornelis Quirynen is arrested at the request
for Cornells °^ Comelis Van Es, with order not to depart before
van E«. he has paid or furnished sufficient sureties for the pay
ment of the note signed by him on account of Roeloff
Cornelisz.
Likewise, all that is due to Quiryn Cornelis and Cornelis
Quirynen from Broer Cornelis is attached in the hands of the
said Broer Cornelis.
Ext : Permission is granted to Evert Jansz, tailor, residing on
the island of Manhatans, to transport himself hither and to sup
port himself here by exercising his trade, provided that he build
at his own expense, for which a place will be indicated to him.
August 3, 1 648, Jan Barentsz Poest caused Cornelis Segersz
to be asked in court by the director w'hether he, Cornelis Segersz,
stood by the words which he on the first of said month addressed
to him, Jan, in the presence of Aerndt Andriesz, Pouwels Noor
man and the servant of the aforesaid Aernt, accusing him, Jan,
of being a rascal and a [thief?] and the greatest liar at present

^Cornelis Teunisz from Breuckelen.

36 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
in the colony, which aforesaid accusations Cornelis Segeresz even
at the time of the examination promised to prove by several wit
nesses, but afterwards before the said director was obliged to
take back, stating that he knew naught of the said Jan but what
was honorable and good. Which I certify,
B. V. Slichtenhorst, Director.
[lOv] The honorable director, Brandt van Slichtenhorst,
plaintiff, against Michiel Jansz, defendant.
1 In the first place, the defendant must give security for the
satisfaction of the judgment and choose his domicile where notice
or legal summons may be served in his absence.
2 Michiel Jansz is asked whether he was not engaged upon
the same [terms as those of the] contract which Gerrit de Reus
made with the honorable patroon and whether he did not occupy
the farm called " de Hooge Berch "^ from the year 1640 to the
year 1646 upon the same conditions?
3 [The plaintiff demands] that the defendant, as the
patroon's farmer, render a true account and statement of the
grain and crops and of the cattle, butter, milk and hogs for the
years 1638 and 1639, and this for each year separately, and in
detail. Also a statement as to what he has done with all the
property aforesaid and that within a specified time, according to
his own request of October 8, 1648; if not, the plaintiff places
his loss on that score at the sum of five hundred guilders, plus
lawful damages.
4 [The plaintiff demands] that the defendant in his capacity
of former lessee of the patroon's farm called " den Hogen
Berch," from the year 1 640 to the year 1 646, inclusive, render
an accurate account, for each year separately, of the crops which
the defendant received, as well as of the cattle, wagon and plow

^ Literally, the High Hill. The farm was situated on the east side
of the Hudson river, on the Mill creek.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 37
and further of all the farm implements, household effects, linen,
woolens, nothing excepted, which were entrusted to him in the
year 1 640, and of all the grain, cattle, butter and milk produced
and raised on the aforesaid farm after the year 1640, together
with a statement as to what he has done with it all, said account to
be rendered within a specified time; if not, the plaintiff in his
capacity aforesaid charges for his loss on that account the sum
of two thousand guilders, plus lawful damages.
5 That the defendant return to the plaintiff in the colony the
three horses which he took with him out of the colony in the year
1646, in as good condition as they were at the time, and this
within a specified time ; if not, the plaintiff places his loss on that
account at [ ] and fifty guilders for lawful damages.
6 That the defendant within a specified time shall submit an
accurate inventory of all the household effects, linens, woolens
and everything else that the defendant and his wife took with
them out of the colony; otherwise the plaintiff will charge for
his loss in that respect the sum of 500 guilders plus lawful
damages. [11] 7 That the plaintiff and the defendant -within three
days shall have the house, barn, barrack and further all the
buildings occupied by him to the year 1646, appraised by
impartial carpenters, who are also to estimate and appraise in
what state he left said buildings two years ago; otherwise the
plaintiff will charge for his loss the sum of 2000 guilders plus
lawful damages. And in case of refusal, the plaintiff shall have
the appraisal made by impartial persons at the defendant's
expense. 8 That the defendant shall within a specified time render a
specified and detailed account of the total cost of the patroon's
house in the way of building, materials and expenses; otherwise
the plaintiff will charge for his loss on that account fifteen hun
dred guilders, plus lawful damages.
And whereas the defendant at his departure for the Man
hatans presented a final account, written with his own hand, as

38 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
he has admitted in court, entitled: 'Account of all that is in my
custody on the farm, belonging to the farm," which showed that
he still had in common with his patroon the sum of two thousand
nine hundred and fifty-four guilders, eleven stivers, the honorable
plaintiff demands that the half of the aforesaid sum be deposited
with the court, with costs.
9 That the defendant shall also show how many beavers, otter
skins, or other peltries he has traded or otherwise received during
his term, each year separately. Otherwise, the plaintiff will place
his loss at 1000 guilders, plus lawful damages.
10 Whereas it is notorious that Michiel Jansz has traded
many skins, proof is demanded, first of all, that the defendant
had the right to trade these and, in default of such proof, the
plaintiff concludes that the defendant, in accordance wath his
contract, has forfeited all his earned wages and all the effects
which he had here in this country and, furthermore, that he is to
be arbitrarily punished for having traded those forbidden peltries.
With costs.
1 1 Whereas Michiel Jansz on October 1 0, 1 648, was
arrested by Director Slichtenhorst within the limits of the juris
diction of the colony and without furnishing sureties has ventured
to moVe into another jurisdiction, so that he has not only [vio
lated] the jurisdiction of the court and the high and low jurisdic
tion of the honorable patroon, but also has [acted in contempt of]
our aforesaid patroon whose place we here occupy [ ]
[ ] broken the arrest [ ]
[ ] fine [ ].
[Ilv] Director Brandt van Slechtenhorst, plaintiff, against
Michiel Jansz, defendant.
Whereas the defendant has heretofore, at the time of the war
at the Manhatans, ventured to barter forbidden ammunition with
the savages against some peltries, at the expense of much
Christian blood of our Christian neighbors, who are of the same
religion and subject to the same sovereignty and power, only to

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 39
satisfy his vulgar greed, contrary to the placard of the High and
Mig'hty Lords the States General and the ordinance of the
honorable council of New Netherland, the plaintiff concludes
that the defendant has forfeited his life, or else is liable to such
arbitrary punishment and heavy fine as the honorble court shall
consider fit to impose, and [demands that] in addition he be
condemned to pay fifty guilders [to the director] by way of a
fee or fine, according to the aforesaid placard andi ordinance.
And whereas the defendant, or person arrested in the year
1644, ventured to send his servants out of the colony with an
order in his own handwriting and about 50 beavers, without pay
ing any recognition for them either at Fort Orange or at the
Manhatans, and whereas these servants having come to the
assistant in Fort De Hoop,^ sold said beavers to the English who
were stationed at the trading house of Mr Wytingh, contrary to
the express order of the aforesaid placard, the honorable plain
tiff concludes that the aforesaid beavers or the value thereof are
subject to confiscation and [demands] that in addition he be
condemned to pay a fine of fifty guilders and also be arbitrarily
punished as an example to others, according to the aforesaid
ordinance. Cum expensis. Was signed: [B. v. Slichtenhorst, Director]
Agrees with the original,
Which I certify,
A. DE HOGES, Secretary.

^ Fort Hope, on the Connecticut river.

40 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[ 1 2v] ' Court proceedings, October 22 Anno 1 648
Jan Verbeeck, upon sufficient security, is granted permission to
pay his debt to the honorable patroon in five instalments, namely,
fl. 1 50 a year, and the fifth payment to discharge the entire debt,
provided that if he builds on the west shore, he shall the first year
be free from paying rent.
Jacon Jansz Stol 1st default
Goosen Gerritsz 2d default
Pieter Hertgers 1st default
Corn: van Es 1st default
Pieter Claesz 1st default
The director promises to help the widow of Mattys, deceased,^
get the fl. 5o due her, either through Willem Jeuriaensz, or else
at the very first opportunity.
Finding that Nicolaes Coorn has presumed to go to the Man
hatans, notwithstanding he was ordered by the court on the 1 9th
of August of this year to show and deliver to us within 1 4 days
after that date a more complete account of everything, as many
things were found to have been omitted and passed over, of which
we have never seen any account but which he had nevertheless
November 15, {jj [jjj possession, WC therefore once more order
1649, the notice , . , «^.. , r-. .,.,..,
was served and '^"C Said INicolacs Coorn peremptorily withm eight
[a copy of the days after the service of the next notice to present
dLrhaTded'to ^^^ deliver the account, under penalty of the
him. lord's highest fine.
[13] The honorable court having more than once had the
person of Goossen Gerritsz urged by the honorable director of
this colony to allow himself to be employed in the capacity of
magistrate {gerechlspersoon), and [said Goossen Gerritsz] now
appearing, he declares :

^ Folio 1 2 recto is blank.
^Mathijs Jansz.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 41
1 First, that he considers himself incompetent for it.
2 Secondly, that he owns no house and lot here and there
fore is not bound to serve.
3 Thirdly, as thus far he is not on a free basis with the
patroon, he can not resolve to accept the office, but as
soon as that comes about, he will offer the patroon his
services in everything.
Which reasons having been duly weighed and considered by
us, we have deemed, as we still deem, that they are not of such
weight that this good cause should thereby suffer and Goossen
Gerritsz be held excusable.
Therefore, once more and for the last time, we kindly request
him voluntarily to accept the vacant office ; otherwise, though very
reluctantly, we shall find ourselves forced to resort to other
means. Goossen Gerritsz accepts the magistrate's office, provided he
may first make a trip to the Manhatans, which is granted.
[14]^ Director Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Cornelis van
Es, defendant.
Whereas on the 1 4th of September 1 648, at the public leasing,
w'here Director Slichtenhorst, sitting with the commissioners, oc
cupied the place of the honorable patroon, Cornelis Hendricksz
Van Es three several times, in the presence of the Reverend
Domine Megapolensis and publicly in the presence of all the
bystanders, dared to call the director a cheat, charging him with
having cheated his son-in-law, Peeter Claesz, and stating that
the director did not keep his word with his son-in-law, [said
director] brought these slanderous words to the attention of the
aforesaid gentlemen in the presence of all the bystanders and
cited him to appear on the first court day and on the 21st of
September summoned him once more to appear before the afore
said court, to be held on the 1 st of October 1 648. And whereas
Director Slichtenhorst has taken these gross insults much to heart

¦ Folio 1 3 verso blank.

42 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
and would not willingly have suffered them for anything under
the sun, he being a person of good standing and reputaition and
moreover the director and representative of the honorable patroon
as proprietor of the colony here, and it being intolerable that a
subject, by attacking his honor and character, should thus, with
out right or reason, several times publicly, unjustly and grossly
insult his overlord, which constitutes a capital crime; therefore,
it is requested that he give security for the satisfaction of the
judgment and his life, and furthermore, that the offender shall
go or be taken into custody, as the director also offers to do, and
prosecute the case from day to day, during two terms, on con
dition that the costs shall be paid by the party who is in the
wrong, and furthermore according to law. The director of the
aforesaid colony demands that Van Es, being the offender, shall
appear before the full council and declare that he is sorry
that he uttered the aforesaid slanders and that he knows
nothing of the aforesaid director but what is consistent with
honor and virtue. Furthermore, that in addition the offender
shall be condemned to pay for each time a fine of [ ] ,
said money to be deposited with the court and this to three times
the amount of the fine provided by the resolution and ordinance
of May [ ], 1648; all cum expensis.
[ 14v] Also, that Van Es be condemned to pay the same fines
as above because on September 1 4, 1 648, at the public leasing,
after everybody had been separately called into the room and the
conditions had been read to them in order to proceed with the
leasing, according to the day and hour appointed therefor at
least two weeks in advance, he ventured in collusion with others
to make trouble in order that the honorable patroon's property
should not be leased at a proper figure and the day result in
failure, the said Van Es and his son-in-law, Pieter Claesz,
together with others, in order to achieve their wicked purpose,
leaving the room in the presence of the said director, the domine
and the commissioners. And as this is a matter of great conse
quence, the aforesaid director demands that Van Es shall for
that crime be once more condemned to pay the aforesaid fine of

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 43
300 guilders, by virtue of the aforesaid ordinance, and in addition
be arbitrarily punished as an example to others. Cum expensis.
The Honorable Director Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Pieter
Claesz, defendant.
A complaint on account of slander is likewise brought against
the person of Pieter Claesz, because he has several times, openly
and before everybody, said to the director: " You must acknowl
edge that you are a liar," and in addition accused the director of
cheating him and not keeping his word, as an honest man should,
of which proof is demanded. Furthermore, [the director] brings
the same charges against him as against Van Es and also
demands that Pieter Claesz shall be condemned to pay three
times fl. 6, for having at the serving of the summons on September
21,1 648, three times in the presence of the domine and the afore
said director wickedly sworn by God's holy name and blood,
that he was no Christian and [ ] . Therefore,
that he shall for each time and as often as three times be con
demned to pay a fine of six guilders and in addition be arbitrarily
punished, according to the aforesaid ordinance of May [ ],
Anno [ 1 648] , with costs.
The plaintiff also demands that the defendant as
security for the satisfaction of the judgment in every
respect shall be immediately taken into custody and
in addition [be asked to deposit] two hundred
guilders.
[15] Court proceedings, November 19 Anno 1648
This day, Goossen Gerritsz has taken the oath of fidelity as
magistrate before Director Slichtenhorst.
Claes Gerritsz here, before the court, denies and declares
untrue the statement made by Director Slichtenhorst that he,
Claes Gerritsz, four years ago, had traded more than one hundred
beavers on the island of Cornelis Segersz.
Claes Gerritsz declares here that Arendt van Curler gave him
permission to trade.

44 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Claes Gerritsz says that Ruth Jacobsz told him that he was at
liberty to strike Jan Dircksz, Englishman,^ if he were obstinate,
N. B. January 18, Director Slichtenhorst, in my presence,
served notice on Cornelis Segersz that he, Cornelis, on May 14,
1648, told Mr Slichtenhorst that Claes Gerritsz four years ago
dwelt with him and in that year had traded more than one hun
dred beavers, which statement of the director the said Cornelis
did not contradict, but tacitly practically admitted.
Acknowledged by me,
A. DE HoOGES, Secretary and witness
The honorable director, plaintiff, vice Jochem Kettelheym,
against Jacob Lambertsz, defendant.
Each party to be condemned to do likewise.
In the first place, the honorable plaintiff offers all his readily
available property, amounting to the sum of fl. 2500, and to
deliver therefor  fl. 2500
For so much as is due to him from the Vlackte or
Corler, about  fl. 200
Cornelis Segersz [ ]
[ ]elis shall Cornelis [ ]
[ ] Evert Pels and the [Goyer?]
[ ]
[15v] November 26, 1648, Jan Appel filed an answer in
behalf of Michiel Jansz.
Director Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against the wife of Cornelis
van Es and Van Es, as husband and guardian of his wife. First
default. Whereas the wife of Cornelis van Es on September 1 8, Anno
1648, greatly slandered Councilor de Vos in his private and
official capacity, which defamation de Vos called upon the
^ Given in Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 818, as from Amersfoort.
but not otherwise.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 45
director* and the Domine to witness, to wit, that he, de Vos, was
accused of having said that if he had a seat in the government he
would make them suffer for the insults which they had heretofore
offered to him, de Vos, of which proof is demanded, or else, in
default of proof, the plaintiff, with the director, as joint com
plainant, demand that she shall appear before the full council
and acknowledge that she said, too much and that she is heartily
sorry, and furthermore, that she shall be condemned to pay a
fine of six guilders, to be pledged immediately, and in addition
be arbitrarily punished as an example to others, according to the
ordinance of May 28, 1648, cum expensis.
The same, against Cornelis van Es.
Whereas Cornelis van Es was cited on October 29, 1 648, for
having out of spite threshed out a quantity of oat straw, which
in winter is the best fodder, and thrown the straw on the manure
pile, to the detriment of the next lessee and the patroon's horses
and cattle, which is a matter of grave consequence, which in a
land of justice neither can nor ought to be tolerated, the plaintiff
demands that said van Es be condemned to pay a fine of 25
guilders and to make good the loss of the straw, cum expensis,
the more so as the said van Es on the 18th of November afore
said positively told the director that he would not give the
patroon's horses any oats, much less hunt them up before the
v\anter, when one ought to put them in the stable, as another had
driven them off and he did not care to claim them, but preferred
to let them run wild, and also protested that he would not do it,
for which reason the director on the 1 9th ditto attached the per
son of van Es and all his readily convertible and inconvertible
property, forbidding him to leave the colony under penalty of
the lord's highest fine, to prevent all loss and damage as to horses
and cattle through neglect or mischief on his part, or through
accident, and also as security for the rent. [The director
further demands] that he shall vacate the house and barn next
New Year and shortly render to the director a specified account

46 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of everything, including the trade, for each year separately;
otherwise the director shall place his loss on that account at the
sum of [ ], with lawful damages, cum expensis,
[16] Court proceedings, December 3 Anno 1648
Whereas Jacob Lambertsz has heretofore accused the person
of Jochem Kuttelheym of being an informer and we, for reasons
us thereunto mo-ving, consider it best that the matter do not go
further, therefore, Jacob Lambertsz aforesaid declares here
before the court that he knows nothing about the person of
Jochem Kettelheym but what is honorable and virtuous, Jochem,
on having this acknowledgment recorded, declaring the same of
Jacob Lambertsz, without prejudice to the action of the honor
able plaintiff. Cum expensis,
Jacob Lambersen
This is the X mark of JoCHEM KETTELHEYM,
made vnth his own hand
In case any one upon sufficient evidence is found guilty of
injuring the honor of Jochem Kettelheym, calling him an
informer, he will be fined ten guilders, vsdthout prejudice to the
director's further demand according to the circumstances of the
case. Pieter Claesz declares as many as three times here before the
court that he is sorry that he swore, the [director retaining his
action against him according to the] ordinance. Cum expensis.
[16v] December 1648
Claes Uyllespiegel summoned twice and fined once on account
of over-driving the horses, first on December 1, and on the
[10th] of December notified for the second time that he was
fined and in case he had any objection to make, to come to the
court a week from next Thursday, being the 1 7th of December.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 47
December 1648 Claes Uyllespiegel cited twice and fined once
on account of driving the horses, first on the
1st of December, and on the tenth of Decem
ber for the second time, being notified that he
was condemned and in case he had any objec
tion, that he must appear in court on Thursday
week, being the 1 7th of this month.
1 2 Evert Pels summoned on account of wounding
Tomes Jansz. Also because he, or his servant,
took another man's cow without his consent.
Also on account of beating Claes Tyssen.
Also on account of his delivered grain which
he received from Broer Cornelis for his labor
and which was delivered to Evert Pels, as he.
Pels, admitted on the aforesaid date.
Said Pels was summoned also on account of
wages earned by Claes Tyssen and on account
of the damage of the pease. Finally, E. Pels
was summoned also on account of the abusive
language used by his v^afe in addressing the
director, for all of which together he must
make answer on TTiursday next, being the
1 7th of this month.
13 Peter^ is cited by Hans Vos to fulfil his [con
tract of] service.
1 7 Symon Joesten is summoned and called upon,
on pain of being fined the maximum amount,
to give testimony to the truth and has refused
to make oath in the presence of Mr Hoogens.
On the 19th ditto Symon Joesten was again
summoned and admonished once more to make
a declaration.

* Pieter Claesz.

48

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

21 Huybert was summoned for the second time,
[on pain] of 3 guilders, to give testimony to
the truth.
December Joshem Kettelheym and Jurien,^ Pels's serv
ant, summoned to give testimony to the truth
upon interrogatories.
Gisbert, the tavernkeeper,^ summoned to give
testimony.
Hans in Cluys is summoned to appear in court
on Thursday next.
Jacob Lambertsz summoned.
6 January Jochem Kettelheym [ ] summoned
to give testimony about Van Nes and the
beating of Hans Vos. Peter Claesz sum
moned to [appear in court]
[ ] cited to appear on the
21st [ ].
Symon Jansz cited [ ] on pain of
[ ]•
[17] The Hon. Director Slechtenhorst, plaintiff, against
Claes Gerritsz, defendant.
Having heretofore given sufficient security to satisfy the judg
ment, the honorable plaintiff says that the defendant was engaged
as farmer {bouTvknecht) by the honorable patroon on the 26th
of May anno 1640, which he still is on the same terms as the
former farmers, to wit, Gerrit de Rues, Cornelis Tuenisz, Cor
nelis Maesz, Zymon Walichsz and Michiel Jansz, according to
the contracts of the defendant and the aforesaid persons, which
contracts specifically mention, and by every one has been agreed
and sworn to, that they are not to trade in peltries on forfeiture
of their wages and all their effects, applying all the more to the
effects of the defendant, who has never had permission, nor even
asked, so to do. To whicK must be added that no one has been

^Juriaen Bestval.
''Gysbert Cornelisz, from Weesp.

Minutes of December 3, 1 648, probably in the handwriting of Gerrit
van Wenckum

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 49
allowed to sell forbidden ammuitition to the savages, on pain of
being punished with death, and in case any one denounces any
one for having acted contrary thereto, he shall receive a reward
of fifty guilders. And whereas the honorable plaintiff on the
28th of September anno 1 648 found in the defendant's posses
sion six bars of lead, he is liable to pay the aforesaid fine in
accordance with the placard of the Lords States [General] and
the Hon. Chartered West India Company, dated the 31st of
March anno 1639, and the ordinance of the honorable patroon
and also of the fort and the colony, dated the 8th of May anno
164 [5?]. Granting even that the defendant had obtained con
sent to trade — which he in no wdse had — like Master Abra
ham,^ Henrick Albertsz, Reyer Stoffelsz, Sander Leenersz and
others, who contracted with the honorable patroon to trade, the
defendant would nevertheless be bound each time to report and
specify the number of all such peltries and to send them to the
patroon and to no one else, and in addition be obliged to pay
one guilder for each beaver as well as one sixth part to the honor
able patroon, or his agent, on pain of confiscation of all the
peltries and furthermore of all the defendant's effects, according
to the contracts of the aforesaid persons. In addition to all this
the defendant has been bold enough, contrary to the express order
and sentence of this court, dated the 23d of June anno 1 645, and
notwithstanding all this, to venture to carry on the trade continu
ously on his own authority, without paying any recognition or
entering any peltries, in spite of the honorable patroon's order to
contract and the sentence of the court, whereby the defendant
has committed the highest offense, which in a land of justice
neither can nor ought to remain unpunished, the defendant having
violated thereby not only the patroon's high and low jurisdiction,
but also acted in contempt of [ 1 7v] the court here and in the
highest degree offended the Lords States [General] , whose place
we occupy here. The honorable plaintiff, for the reasons afore-

^ Abraham Staets, surgeon.

50 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
said, therefore demands that the defendant within forteen days
shall make an accurate return of all the peltries traded by him,
specifying the number for each year separately from the year
1 640 to this date, in default of which the plaintiff shall count the
loss at ten hundred guilders in addition to legal damages.
Furthermore, that he shall be condemned to give security for the
payment of 50 guilders aforesaid and that on account of his
offense, to wit, that the defendant without consent has traded on
his own authority, he shall be condemned to pay a fine of 500
guilders, and that in addition he shall forfeit all his effects and
be arbitrarily punished as an example to others, cum expensis.
And all this without prejudice to the plaintiff's further causes of
action, both on account of the fighting engaged in by the
defendant and the selling or bartering of forbidden anmiunition,
and on account of the confiscation and having traded contrary to
the sentence and the ordinance.
December 1 7, Reyntgen,^ the skipper, and Slichtenhorst have
attached the wagoner's ^ wages in the hands of Evert Pels.
[18] Extraordinary session, December 16 Anno 1648
The parties, to wit, Willem de Key and Thomas Chamber,
as husband and guardian of his wife, in a dispute about two
ankers of brandy, are ordered to present additional evidence and
proof for our further information.
Court Proceedings, December 1 7 Anno 1 648
Director Slichtenhorst, prosecutor and plaintiff, against Claes
Teunisz and some horse racers {paerden jachters) . for judgment
according to the petition of the honorable director.
Whereas those guilty of riding at excessive speed, according
to the apostil on the petition to that effect, are declared to have

^ Reynier Thymensz? Cf. Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 815.
^ Jacob Aertsz.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 51
forfeited six guilders for each offense, in addition to the damage
done to the horses, each person, moreover, having been sum
moned to appear on this day to defend himself; and whereas
Claes Uylenspiegel, three several times, yes, even twice on the
same day, notwithstanding the fine and the. prohibition and warn
ing by the honorable director and the prohibition of their honors'
ordinance, out of pure mischief and in spite of the court, has
presumed to ride past the director's door as fast as the horse could
run, he, Claes, always having the lead over the others, whereby
he has not only violated [the authority of] the honorable patroon
in his high and low jurisdiction and [that of] the court here^
but also [that of] the Lords States General whose places we
occupy and committed the highest crime [against them] ; there
fore, the honorable plaintiff demands that the aforesaid Claes
shall be publicly exposed in the pillory and be banished from the
colony, in accordance with the custom of the fatherland, where
those who disobey and disregard the lord's, prohibition and ban
ishment are punished with death; or that the same shall be
apprehended and for the first offense be [confined] for four
days, for [the second offense eight days] , and for the third
offense sixteen [days, and in addition] [18v] be exposed and
banished as above written, as an example to others ; cum expensis.
And that all the others, for the damage and abuse of the horses,
in addition to a fine of one pound Flemish, shall for each offense
pay three guilders to the poor and furthermore be arbitrarily
punished; cum expensis.
N. B. Their honors will please do their duty, in order that
the dumb animals may not again do justice themselves and put
the court to shame, as has happened before.
Hans Vos, being summoned to appear by Pieter de Boer on
account of his contract of service for four months, which he here
admits and promises to fulfil, is ordered to fulfil the same and to
satisfy Pieter, on pain of paying the fine imposed heretofore on
Jacob Aertsz, Tvaegenaer (wagoner), in case he remains in
default.

52 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Evert Pels, defend
ant, for having wounded Thomas Jansz in the head with a piece
of wood and drawing blood. Demands condemnation according
to the ordinance of the Hon. Chartered West India Company
at the Manhatans, or of Amsterdam, and as Evert Pels had his
servant get the canoe of Thomas Jansz without his knowledge
or consent, the plaintiff maintains that Evert Pels has forfeited
the sum of 25 guilders according to the former ordinance, all
cum expensis.
The same, against the wife of Evert Pels.
Whereas she slandered the honorable director and the other
members of the court in general, the honorable plaintiff concludes
that she is liable to a fine of 300 guilders in accordance with the
ordinance, and demands that she, be fined five times six guilders,
cum expensis.
[ 1 9] Evert Pels is ordered to pay and satisfy the 26 guilders
which he owes Claes Tyssen, in money or goods, as stipulated,
cum expensis, saving his claim against Cornelis Teunisz.
The honorable court, having considered the wilful violation
of our former ordinance by those who ride their horses at a reck
less speed, hereby condemn each offender for each violation to
pay the stipulated fine. But as to Claes Teunisz called Uylen
spiegel, observing the mischief and recklessness committed by
him in spite of the express prohibition [of such riding], he is
hereby, on pain of corporal punishment, warned not to disregard
the words, admonition and prohibition of the honorable director,
especially [when acting] against the ordinances and orders of
the honorable court. This time, therefore, by way of lAitigation
of sentence, only a fine, as above, is imposed upon him.
The honorable court, for reasons them thereunto moving, have
granted Claes Gerritsz time until one month from this date to
settle his account, on condition that he shall forfeit one pound
Flemish for each week that he remains in default after the afore
said time and of giving security for the satisfaction of the
judgment.

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Last part of minutes of December 1 7, I 648, in handwriting of Anthony
de Hooges. Below, bond of Pieter Hartgers for the return of a horse,
in handwriting of Brant van Slichtenhorst
Court Minutes, 1648-1652 53
28 January 1649 Having Seen the honorable director's com-
Copy of s«itence plaint against Claes Gerritsz for beating [Jan
[Jan Dircksz] Dircksz] , which Claes Gerritsz has acknowl-
Englishman. edged, [he] is condemned [ ].
[ 1 9v] Cornelis Hendricksz van Es repeats his charge that the
director wronged his son-in-law,^ which he is to prove.
Cornelis Hendricksz van Es having several times by oppro
brious words slandered the person of the Hon. Director Slichten
horst, according to the complaint instituted in the matter, of
which complaint a copy was handed to him three weeks ago, and
[said van Es] now appearing in court, he persists that the honor
able director wronged or unjustly treated his son-in-law, Pieter
Claesz. Which bald assertion remaining without any further
evidence or proof, it is considered a great crime that such slander
should be so loosely uttered.
Appeared Willem Kay, together with Peter Hartgers, his
brother-in-law,^ which said Peter Har'tgers has lawfully bound
himself as surety for the return within fourteen days, in as good
condition as it now is, of the horse of the Vlacte called Ham-
stien, wdth the saddle. And in case the aforesaid horse should
be injured, [he binds himself] to make good the damage, and if
it should die or stay away to pay one hundred and twenty guil
ders for it, cash. Which said conditions the aforesaid Hartgers
has agreed to in court with a clasp of the hand, on the 21st of
December 1648. [signed] B. v. SLICHTENHORST
On the 27th ditto the horse was returned in as good condition
as it was when received.

^ swager, a word which may mean either son-in-law, or brother-in-law,
but which is here used in the sense of son-in-law, referring to Pieter Claesz.
See minutes of May 22, 1649.
^ swaeger. Catrina Roelofs, the ¦wife of Willem Key, and Sytje
Roelofs, the wife of Pieter Hartgers, were sisters, both being daughters
of Anneke Jans Bogardus by her first husband, Roelof Jansz from Master-
land. The entire bond is in the handwriting of Van Slichtenhorst.

54 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[20] Extraordinary session, December 19 Anno 1648
Resolved that the honorable director shall once more summon
Evert Pels to pay the wages of Claes Tyssen within twice
twenty-four hours, it being found that he has given two summer
skins, valued at 16 guilders, which is not acceptable. And in
case he refuses to pay, the director is to advance the money,
subject to the restitution of double the amount.
On the 21st ditto, notice was served on Evert Pels in the
presence of Mr Hoogens, by affixing said notice to the door.^
Cornelis van Es and Pieter Claesz declare before the court
here that they have nothing to say about the person of the honor
able director but what is right and honorable and that they are
very sorry for having used slanderous language against the honor
able director, saving the honorable director's further complaints,
cum expensis, Aknowledged before me,
Antonio de Hooges, Secretary
The Hon. Director Brandt van Slichtenhorst by this, his
signature, promises to save Rutger Jacobsz and keep him harm
less from all loss and damage which may be caused to the said
Rutger Jacobsz by the Hon. General Petrus Stuyvesant or his
agents on account of the building which he intends to erect near
the First kill,^ toward the hill. And the lease of the said house
shall begin next Easter Anno 1649. Done in the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, this 2 1 st of December Anno 1 648.
[B. V. Slichtenhorst]
[20v] June 22, 1648, Hans Vos was dismissed until after
harvest time.

'Memorandum in the handwriting of Van Slichtenhorst.
= The Rutten kill. See Early Records of ihe City and County of
Albany, 2:43.

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Minutes of December 19, 1648, showing signature of Anthony de Hooges
secretary
Court Minutes, 1648-1652 55
December 23 Anno 1648
Hans Vos again engaged as court messenger for the period of
four months on condition that he is to receive wages on the basis
of 50 guilders a years and shall work for the honorable director
two or three days a week at one guilder a day in addition to his
wages and board and whenever he shall work for Pieter de Boer
he shall receive wages according to the contract between them
and if working for others whatever he can get. He shall also be
held in the morning to fetch a pail of water, to cut fire wood and
to spade one half of the garden, without receiving wages there
for. And Hans Vos has this day by shaking of hands, instead
of an oath taken before the honorable director, promised during
the aforesaid time faithfully to acquit himself of all his duties.
[In the margin is written:]
This contract remaining intact, Hans Vos has again agreed
to serve, on condition that he shall receive twenty guilders per
month, and he has promised to work one day a week for the
patroon without pay. This 31st of January Anno 1650. His
term of service begins New Year 1650.
Hans Vos has confirmed this by
the shaking of hands instead of
an oath.
Cornelis Segersz is asked whether he acknowledges the signa
ture which was put by him under the contract of his farm, dated
August 25, 1643, to be his, or not, and if he does, the honor
able director demands that he be condemned to fulfil the contract
in all its parts. Cum expensis,
[Cornelis] Segersz
[admits that the] signature
[is his and is therefore] bound
[to fulfil the contract in] all
its parts. [A. DE HooJges, Secretary

56 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[21 ] Director Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Hans in Cluys,
defendant. Whereas Hans in Cluys ' has twice, even as recently as last
Sunday and that in the presence of the Domine, ventured to come
by force into the director's house and to insult, affront and
slander him in the highest degree with respect to his office, and
boldly and impudently dared to ask him in public whether he,
Slichtenhorst, was officer and judge alone in the colony, saying
that he wanted a justification of his sentence from him, Slichten
horst, and many other insolent words, of which proof is
demanded while the court is in session, or in default of proof
that the delinquent by sentence of this honorable court shall be
declared infamous and to have forfeited the sum of 300 guilders
for having spoken rudely and insolently to the director. Con
sidering however that the delinquent has but small wages, [the
director] concludes that he has forfeited each time, that is twice,
10 guilders and [demands] that in addition he be declared
infamous and furthermore that the delinquent be kept on water
and bread or at the most be arbitrarily punished as an example
to others, all at the discretion of the court, cum expensis.
1 0 guilders agreed upon in the presence
of the Domine and finis,
[21v] Court proceedings, January 7 Anno 1649
Jacob Lambertsz has this day by agreement finally paid his
fine in the matter of his former dispute with the honorable
director and Jochem Kettelheym.
January 7 Anno 1649
Cornelis van Es's contract regarding his farm being read to
him word for word by the secretary, de Hooges, he is asked by
the honorable director whether he acknowledges the same or not.

' Hans Jansz, from Rotterdam.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 57
whereupon he answers that he acknowledges it in all its parts
and provisions. It is ordered therefore that within 1 4 days, after
the first notice, he must give sufficient security for the judgment,
and in case he fails to do so within eight days after that date, he
shall be fined double the amount, and so forth.
[In the margin is written:]
The 1 4th ditto notice was served on van -Es with injunction to
van Es and his wife not to molest Andries de Vos and his family
by word or deed and [the contract] was once more read to him
by de Hoogens.
January [?], Vos also included in the injunction.
January 9 Anno 1649
Gysbert Cornelisz being questioned in regard to the dispute
between Jan van Bremen and Hans Vos, Gysbert declares that
Jan van Bremen tried to put Hans Vos out of his, Gysbert's
house, whereupon Gysbert said to the aforesaid Jan that he had
nothing to say in his house and if he wished to give orders, he
should do so in his own house. Furthermore, that Hans was
struck by Jan while Gysbert was away, eating.
[22] Court proceedings, January 21 Anno 1649
The 20th ditto, Poulyntje ^ was summoned for having in an
angry mood drawn his knife on Huybert,^ the servant of de Vos,
in the brewery, for which he was fined fl. 1 00, according to the
ordinance. Also, because said Poulyntje struck Huybert with
his fists and made his nose bleed, for which he was fined the like
amount. Poulyntje admits that he struck Huybert in such a way that
his nose bled.

'Paulus Jansz.
''Huybert Jansz.

58 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
As regards Cornelis van Es :
1 Judgment of fl. 150 with interest; also fl. 36:15. two skins;
with costs.
2 Judginent on account of the oat straw ; ] To give security
with costs. J for both
3 Sentence on account of slander by the wife of van Es.
Jan van Bremen.. This day, the 15th of January of this year,
Jan van Bremen was summoned for having in the spring, at the
house and in the presence of Cryn Cornelisz, first struck Hans
Vos on the head with his fist and then, wathout reason or excuse,
drawn his knife on him and cut him about the head. And
whereas the said van Bremen has heretofore engaged in fighting,
he therefore owes a double fine according to the ordinance, so
that he has forfeited:
for fist blows, fl. 25 — double the amount fl. 50
for drawing his knife, fl. 100; double, fl. 200
March 30, 1648, Jacob Jansz Stol complained of violence
commited by Jan van Bremen at night on his door and windows,
for which he incurred a fine of fl. 1 50, and as it took place in the
night, double the amount.
Also that at midnight he severely wounded Kit Davits in the
head with a pair of tongs, for which he incurred a fine of fl. 300,
or double the amount, fl. 600.
Furthermore, that he, van Bremen, made bold to take Hans
Vos, the court messenger, by the arm and rudely tried to push
him out of the house of the tavemkeeper, or another man's house.
making him out to be an informer,^ all without cause or excuse,
of which proof is demanded. And that thereafter, while Hans
Vos was quietly standing under the mantepiece, smoking his
tobacco pipe, he dealt him a blow on the head with his fist. All
of which things in a land where justice is administered neithter

' In the margin is written : And confirmed this on the 2 3rd of January
in the presence of Van Bremen, saying that he called said Vos a thief
[ ].

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 59
can nor ought to be tolerated, but should be promptly and arbi
trarily punished, in order that the guilt of bloodshed may not
come upon the heads of the patroon's judges [ ]
[ ].
[22v] Pieter Claesz offers himself before the court as surety
for Cornelis van Es lo satisfy all judgments in actions which the
honorable director may bring against said van Es, in toto.
Witness,
A. DE Hooges
Andries de Vos is to pay for the patroon's dues on his mill
at Bethlehem the sum of fl. 62 : 1 0 - a year.
January 29, 1649, Cornelis, called Vossgen, has taken the
farm next to Rem Jansz, smith, to the north, on the same con
ditions as others, the lease whereof shall commence next Easter.
The ramaker^ summoned for having fought on the 4th ditto
in such a way that a piece of skin was torn from his face. Note.
[23] [Ordinance] published the 31st of January Anno 1649
The honorable director and commissioners of the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, finding that many colonists on their own
authority daily use the patroon's horses to draw logs and stone ""
and thereby cripple said horses and make them lame and stiff
and greatly abuse them, contrary to the good intentions and pur
pose of the aforementioned patroon and his director and com
missioners who have put the said horses at their disposal only
for the purpose of doing therewith their legitimate farm and other
work, without injuring or abusing the same; and finding further
more that some drive their horses until they are warm and [tired]
and then let them stand in the cold, hungry and thirsty, before
the doors of the tavernkeepers and other persons, thus spoiling
them; THEREFORE, their honors have ordained, as they do

^ Jacob Adriaensz, wheelwright.
^ At this time there was considerable building going on in the colony.

60 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
ordain hereby, that no one shall be allowed to drive the patroon's
horses for money [by the hour] or by the load, or to lend them
to others to draw wood or stone, beyond such use as he may have
to make of them himself for his farm or household, on pain of
forfeiting for each load or violation [of this ordinance] , the first
time three guilders, the second time six guilders, the third time
nine guilders and arbitrary correction.
And as it is not their honors' intention to prevent any one from
being accommodated for his money, they have no objection if
those who are willing to drive for pay or by the load purchase
two or more horses at their own expense and use them as they
please to accommodate every one. Othervsdse, their honors will
make further provision in the matter.
Every one is to govern himself accordingly.
Thus done at a duly attended meeting
[of the council] and published on the
date above written.
[23v] Copy
Apostil granted by the honorable director general and council
of New Netherland upon the petition presented by Adriaen
vander Donck at the meeting of January 21 Anno 1649.
The honorable director general and council having noted the
contents of the petition order Director Slechtenhorst to release
the grain attached by him, provided that the petitioner give
security for the compensation for the horse, for which Director
Slichtenhorst is to sue the petitioner before his competent judges.
Thus done in council at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.
Underneath was written: By order of the honorable director
and council, and was signed: Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary.
Agrees with the original apostil, Cornelis van Tienhoven,
Secretary. Agrees with .the original copy.
Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 61
I, Brandt van Slichtenhorst, in the capacity of director of the
colony of Rensselaerswyck, notify you, Adriaen vander Donck,
or whatever other Christian name you have, and let you know
that on the 2d of January 1649, in my capacity aforesaid I
caused the court messenger of this colony to attach, first, two
hundred schepels of wheat which are still in the hands of Cornelis
Segersz, per balance of the agreement entered into with the afore
said Cornelis Segersz, and whatever else belonging to you, vander
Donck, is in the custody of the said Cornelis Segersz, and this
in order to recover payment or compensation for a black stalHon,
valued at 300 guilders, and 5 cows at 80 guilders apiece, belong
ing to the honorable patroon and entrusted to the hands of vander
Donck, with the interest thereon. So that, in my capacity afore
said, I hereby summon you, vander Donck, for so far as you may
have an interest in the aforesaid wheat and other property, to
appear on the 27th day of May Anno 1 649 before the court of
the aforesaid colony, in order to hear all such demand and
prayer for relief as I, in my capacity aforesaid, may have to make
and submit. In regard to which you must govern yourself as in
your judgment will seem best. In the colony of Rensselaers
wyck, the [ ] of February Anno 1 649.^
Agrees with the original.
Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
[24] Court proceedings, February 4 Anno 1 649
On the 27th of January, the honorable director summoned
Nicolaes Koorn [to appear] in regard to vilification of the per
son of Hans Vos, court messenger, in making him out to be a
rascal and an informer, demanding that [said Koorn] either
prove said accusations in court, or else declare before the court
that he knows nothing about said Vos but what is honorable and

^Marginal annotations destroyed.

62 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
right. Also for defamation of the honorable patroon and his
director and council committed in the tavern, saying that they
defrauded him and that fl, 1 600 was still due him and witheld
from him, which involves not merely a question of defamation,
but also causes uneasiness among the common people, as if he,
Koorn, was being defrauded to that extent, or so much was
witheld from him.
Thomas Chamber and Jochem Kettelheym, on the 12th of
July 1 648, three several times engaged in fisticuffs in such a way
that Tomas's face and nose bled profusely, and that on a Sunday
in the presence of the honorable director, for which he is liable
to the double fine, with costs.
On the same date, the aforesaid Thomas came to the door of
the trading house, to the director's, and again asked to fight and
within the hearing of Dominus Megapolensis swore three or four
times in most ungodly fashion, using God's Holy Name in vain,
notwithstanding the honorable director and the minister rebuked
him severely for it,^ it being Sunday and the director and the
[minister being present; for which he has incurred three times the
fine of six guilders, double, or three times twelve guilders.
The 25th of January 1649, Thomas Chamber in the tavern
publicly called Hans Vos a rascal and an informer. And as
Thomas did not stop, they threw mugs and other things at each
other, so that the mugs broke, and this in the presence o£ Mons'.
Looper^ and Master Abraham,^ for which he is liable to the
double fine.
Furthermore, [the director demands] that he, Thomas, while
the court is in session, shall prove that Hans Vos is a rascal, or
else declare that he knows nothing about him but what is right
and honorable.
[24v] It is ordered that Evert Pels, next Thursday shall

Mn the margin is written: Thomas Chamber admits that he swore as
stated. "Captain Jacob Loper.
^Surgeon Abraham Staets.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 63
present in court here the account of Claes Tyssen regarding the
pease and five weeks' wages claimed by him, on pain of forfeiting
three guilders.^
Consent is given to Jan van Bremen to have a copy of the
director's complaint, on condition that he plead thereto on the
next court day.
Whereas the honorable director, commissioners and council
of this colony, on the 7th of December 1648, ordered and
warned all the colonists, farmers and users of the honorable
patroon's property that they must within the space of fourteen
days deliver their accounts in writing to the aforesaid honorable
director, specifying the accounts for each year separately, under
the penalty expressed in the said ordinance, which , they have
thus far failed to do, and finding that the winter has nearly gone
by and spring is at hand and that the grain and effects daily
disappear and become lost and the honorable patroon in every
thing receives less recognition than a total stranger; therefore,
their honors wishing to provide therein, hereby forbid all those,
whoever they may be, who occupy the patroon's property on
half or one third shares, or on payment of a yearly rental, to
alienate, remove or dispose of any goods, whether grain, or other
commodities, without having first satisfied the honorable patroon
for everything, including the tithes, but without prejudice to the
servants' wages, which shall be paid with the knowledge and
advice of the aforesaid director, on pain of forfeiture for each
transgression of the sum of 25 guilders and the alienated goods
or other effects by those who in all fairness shall be judged to
have violated the ordinance. R:Wyck, this 6th of February
anno 1649, pursuant to the resolution of their honors aforesaid.
Was signed: A. de Hooges, Secretary.
[25] February 18 Anno 1649
Jacob Adriaensz, raedemaecker (wheelwright) , denies before
us that he fought on the 4th of this month.

' In the margin is written: February 12, notice served on Pels.

64 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
February 22 Anno 1649
Whereas Jacob Adriaensz, raedemaecker, and Jacob Adria
ensz, Tvaegenaer (wagoner), on the 21st of February 1649, not
withstanding the director's warning and on penalty of the highest
fine to be imposed by him, as many as three times made bold to
prevent the director from making an arrest as he was having
hold of the delinquent's clothes and body, by holding on to his
arms and body in such a way that he could not follow, saying
also several times that they would not let him go along, which in
a land of justice neither can nor ought to be tolerated, as every
one in case of need is bound to lend the officers of justice a help
ing hand, according to the rule of the dear fatherland, for which
according to law each of them must stand in the delinquent's
place and expect the same punishment, and in addition for each
offense forfeit the sum of 300 guilders and receive arbitrary cor
rection according to the ordinance of the 28th of May 1 648, and
whereas each of them has committed the highest crime not only
against the patroon by violating his high and low jurisdiction but
also against the States General, whose place is occupied here,
therefore, the honorable plaintiff demands, first, that each person
shall give security for the satisfaction of the judgment, or, in
default thereof, that they shall be placed in confinement and
defend their case there; cum expensis.
For which purpose the raedemaecker is summoned to appear
on the 22d and the Tvaegenaer on the 23d of February, at about
9 o'clock in the forenoon.
The raedemaecker' s first default.
The honorable director has declared by true words that the
above took place as follows:
The 21st of February 1649, the honorable director, assisted
by his son and Hans Vos, having come to the house of Jan
Verbeeck, in the Greenen Bos, to arrest Jacob Toenys, the
servant of Jan Verbeeck, on account of abusive language and
violence between the son of the honorable director and said
Jacob Toenys, Jacob raedemaecker, Jacob Tvaegenaer and
Harmen Bastiaensen ventured, notwithstanding the honorable

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 65
director forbade them to do so on pain of the highest fine which
he could impose, to prevent the honorable director from arresting
the aforesaid Jacob Toenys [the remainder of the declaration is
illegible or destroyed] .
[25v] February 23 Anno 1649
It is ordered that Jacob Adriaensen shall give security for the
judgment, or in default thereof be taken into custody.
The same is ordered with reference to Jacob Aertsz,
Tvaegenaer. Evert Pels from Steltyn,^ by this his signature becomes surety
and bail for Jacob Aertsz, Tvaegenaer, for the satisfaction of the
judgment and the costs in the action for preventing the execution
of justice or making the arrest, as the court of this colony shall
determine. Done this 25th of February Anno 1649.
Evert Pels
In the scune way, in every respect. Evert Pels and Rutger
Jacobsz become sureties and bailsmen for Jacob Adriaensz,
raedemaecker.
Rut Jacobsz
Evert Pels
Acknowledged before me,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
The case of Jacob Aertsz, Tvaegenaer, and Jacob Adriaensz,
raedemaecker, is with the full consent and approval of the honor-
able director and Rut Jacobsz and Evert Pels, as sureties for
the aforesaid persons, put for decision into the hands of two
neutral and impartial men having legal knowledge and they
therefore promise mutually to abide by the decision and to
observe it in all respects.
The parties aforesaid have mutually and voluntarily agreed
to this, the [ ] of June Anno 1 649.
Acknowledged before me,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
^ Stettin, Germany.
. 3

66 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[26] February 22 Anno 1649
Whereas Jacob Aryaensz, rademaecker, Jiacob Aertsz,
Tvagenaer, and Herman Bastiaensz, on February 21, 1649, in
spite of the director's warning and under penalty of his highest
fine, dared as many as three times each time publicly to prevent
the director from making an arrest, while he had hold of the
delinquent's^ body, immediately after [said delinquent] without
any cause, much less justification, had struck his son Wencom,
and in addition called him an informer and tried to force Wen
com to keqj off his own patroon's ground, according to the delin
quent's own declaration (it being indeed intolerable and unheard'
of that a subject's servant should thus wrongly maltreat and
grossly insult his lawful superior's son), and they, [the defend
ants], held the delinquent by the arms and body and repeated
several times that they would not let him go vnth the director,
which in a land of justice neither can nor ought to go unpunished
(as every one in case of need is bound to lend a helping hand to
the officers of justice, according to the rule of the dear father
land) , therefore, they have forfeited life and limb and according
to written law must stand in the delinquent's place and severally
receive the same punishment, fine and amercement for the crime
committed, while in addition they have forfeited the sum of three
hundred guilders, according lo the ordinance of May 28, 1648,
posted in this colony. Arid whereas each of the persons arrested
has not only committed the most serious crime within the high
and low jurisdiction of the honorable patroon, but has also in the
highest manner violated the jurisdiction of the States General,
whose place and administration of justice are represented here,
therefore the honorable plaintiff demands that each person shall
first of all give bail for the satisfaction of the judgment, since

'^ Jacob Toenys, servant of Jan Verbeeck.
" Gerrit van Wencom, who at that time held the office of deputy schout
of the colony, was not the director's son, but his nephew. He was suc
ceeded by the director's son, Gerrit van Slichtenhorst, which might account
for the error, except for the fact that the entire entry is in the handwrit
ing of the director himself.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 67
they own no real estate here, the more so as Jacob Tvagenaer has
hertofore grossly insulted the former officer, Verdonck,^ and
broken the lord's bonds [of justice] ; or, in default thereof, that
they may be placed under civil arrest or in confinement and there
inade to defend their case, all cum expensis,^
February 21, 1 649, the honorable director, assisted by his
son and Hans Vos, having come to the house of Jan Verbeeck
to arrest the person of [Jacob Toenys, servant of Jan] Verbeeck,
on account of abusive words . . . [the remainder of the
page is destroyed.,]
[In the margin is written:]
The honorable director, his honor's son and Hans Vos declare
by true words that this took place as here stated.
Which [I certify,]
[A. DE Hooges, Secretary]
[26v] Court Proceedings, March 4 Anno 1649
Jan Reyersz acknowledges that he owes Albert Andriesz
fl. 71 and promises to pay the same at the first opportunity to
the deaconry of this colony.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Harmen Bastiaensz,
defendant. Cum expensis. First default.
Aert Pietersz 1 „. , , ,
,-. . ^ ,. J- r irst default.
V.2u"'yn Cornelisz J
Appeared in the afternoon:
Quiryn Cornelisz, who admits that he owes Albert Andriesz
fl, 69:-, but for the present has no means of paying.
Quiryn Cornelisz declares that in the fore part of the year 1 643,
as the wedding guests were going over the ice to the wedding of
the daughters of van Es, a mare of the said Cryn :and a stallion

^Adriaen van der Donck.
"In the margin is written: The 3d ditto, Hans Vos served notice on
Rut Jacobs and Evert Pels.

68 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of van der Donck were drowned near the sTvarte. or paerde
hoeck^ and that he, Cryn, is under the impression that van der
Donck received therefor from the wedding guests one hundred
and fifty guilders.
[27] Jaques Neulewels declares here that the servant of
Sander Leendersz on March 1 , 1 649, went into the woods with
a savage, who had a whole loaf of bread, which was cut up in
the woods for the savages and after they had eaten it, they went
with six packs, led by the servant, together into Sander's house.
March 11 Anno 1649
Sander Leendersz acknowledges the contract made by him
with the late patroon on March 28, 1 639, and says that he knows
of no other contract than that. It must therefore be carried out
in all its parts, as well as that granted by the court on February
23, Anno 1645.
Sander Leendersz admits having sailed two yachts since 1641,
for three years, and says that he knows of no other contracts.
Catalyn Sanders admits that she signed with her own hand
the contract made with the patroon on March 28, Anno 1639,
and that she has a copy of it at her house. Whereupon complete
condemnation is asked.
Catalyn Sanders also acknowledges the contract entered into
with the court of this colony on February 23, Anno 1645, and
says that she knows of no other contracts.
Catalyn says that they sailed two yachts of the patroon, but
not while they tapped liquor.
March [ ] Cornelis Segersz has through Hans Vos
[requested that he be] released by the court from [ ].

^Now Parda hook, about a mile south of Van Wie's point.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 69
[27v] Court proceedings, March 18, 1649
Harmen Bastiaensz having heard the complaint of the honor
able director read to liim, answers that they must call him before
his competent judges.
Cornelis Segersz has agreed with Thomas Keuningh to take
his boy into his service from this date, paying him according to
the time, provided that the boy must serve in the next harvest.
If in binding he keeps up with one mower, he is to receive one
guilder; if with two, two guilders.
Comelis Segersz being in dispute with Willem de Key about
pease purchased by him, their case is referred to two neutral
arbitrators, whose decision as to their value they are to follow,
to wit, such arbitrators as they shall nominate.
Jacob Lambertsz Dorlandt is ordered to pay to the honorable
director the fine imposed upon him by sentence within the space
of fourteen days after the service of notice, under penalty of
execution and a fine of fl.3.^
The case of Jacob Tvaegenaer and Jacob raedemaecker is sub
mitted to the discretion of impartial men, with the consent of the
honorable director and Ruth Jacobsz and Evert Pels, as sureties.
[28] Court proceedings, March 25 Anno 1649
A warrant of arrest and summons having been served upon
Willem de Key at the request of Cornelis Segersz on account of
200 schepels of wheat which he, Willem de Key, admits having
taken on board his yacht and carried past the house of Evert
Pels, but which on account of the inclemency of the early winter,
at Willem de Key's request, were taken out of the yacht by the
said Cornelis and removed to the Greenen Bos to the brewery

^ In the margin is written : March [ ] , Hans Vos served notice
on Jacob Lamberts.

70 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
and the house of Domine Megapolensis," Willem de Key
answers that at the first opportunity he will reply to everything in
writing. Apostil on the petition of Nicolaes Koorn
Serves for apostil:
Nicolaes Koorn is again referred to the order last sent to him,
but for certain reasons the time is prolonged or extended until
this day fortnight, under the penalty heretofore provided.
Jan Thomasz's contract is canceled by the honorable director
for so far as he is concerned.
On the date above written Evert Pels transfers and conveys
to Jeuriaen Bestvall the house, haybarracks and barn as they
have to this date been used by Evert Pels, everything to be
appraised at a convenient time by impartial men.
[28v] April 3 Anno 1649
Sander Leendersz becomes surety for all actions and fines
which the honorable director may institute against or demand of
his servant, Egbert Doysz, submitting himself to the court here.
Sander Leendersz, by his signature, promises to perform this.
Witnessed by me,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
On the date above written the following notice was served on :
Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck
Volckert Hansz, and
Cornelis Vos
You have license to carry on lawful trade, but in no wise to
carry on any illegitimate trade, as is daily done by you in running
into the woods to meet the savages who come vnth beavers and

^ Domine Megapolensis resided on the east side of the Hudson river,
obliquely opposite Fort Orange in the so-called Kerckbuurie, or church
neighborhood, which by O'Callaghan, History of New Netherland,
1 :330, and Brodhead, History of the State of New York, ' =343 is
erroneously placed on the west side of the river, near the Beaver's
creek. Cf. Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 454, 619.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 71
in promising them presents of stockings, hatchets and other goods
if they will come to your houses to trade, and after having thus
traded with them giving them a little note to tell other savages
where you dwell and such presents as will induce them to come
to you to trade.
You are hereby warned and forbidden by the court to carry
on such illegitimate trade, in violation of the ordinance.
Cornelis Teunisz promises to observe this, provided those of
the fort do likewise, as heretofore they have not done.
Volckert Hansz agrees to do as Cornelis Teunisz.
Cornelis Vos promises the same.
[29] April 15 Anno 1649
Cornelis Teunisz van Breuckelen having been notified that he
is alleged to have said that changes were made in the contracts
after the time the leases were signed, which he denies, asks that
the case be put over until Rutger Jacobsz comes up the river.
Also, that Cornelis Teunisz on April 5, 1649, having called
to the honorable director to come out of his house, gave up the
lease of his farm, to which the honorable director consented on
condition that he should render his accounts, which Cornelis
Teunisz admits.
On the petition of Cornelis Segersz it is ordered that he must
first turn all his accounts regarding the grain over to the director
and that then a copy will be exhibited at his expense.
Jacob Lambertsz is again ordered to satisfy the judgment of
March 8, 1 649, within eight days from the time notice is served,
under penalty of six guilders, and if he remains in default another
eight days, nine guilders.
[In the margin is written : ] 3 days after the 1 5th of this month,
notice was served on Jacob Lambertsz by Slichtenhorst himself,
on the land of Thomas Jansz.
Whereas Claes Gerritsz has thus far failed to satisfy the judg
ment of December 1 7, 1 648, he is again ordered to satisfy the

72

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

same within three weeks from the time notice hereof is served,
on pain of forfeiting two pounds Flemish.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against
Jacob Schermerhorn
Gerrit, the cooper ^
floelandt,'' the nephew (rjeve) of
Mr Stuyvesant
Pieter Loockemans
Marten, the mason ^
Rem, the smith "*
Willem Jansz Stol
Hendrick Driesz
Meynert, a carpenter
Lammert van Valckenburgh j

[1st] default

' defendants

[29v] Court proceedings, April 29 Anno 1649
Nicolaes Coorn is ordered once more and for the last time
that he must render and deliver his account and statement of
all his claims in the form heretofore mentioned within the space
of twice twenty-four hours, under the penalty provided.
[In the margin is written:] May [ ] , written notice was
served on Coorn.
Cornelis Teunisz van Breuckelen to be asked in court whether
he still stands by the words spoken by him twice on April 7,
1649, to Director Slichtenhorst, to wit, that he, Slichtenhorst,
had changed the contracts under which the six lots were leased
on September 1 4, 1 648, after the leases were signed and that the
copies which they had procured of the said contracts or agree
ments did not agree with the original terms which were read to

^ Gerrit Jansz, ^ujjper.
^Roelandt Savary? See minutes of March 16, 1651.
^Marten Harmensz?
" Rem Jansz.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 73
them at the time the aforesaid leasing took place, to which
he added that he and Rutger Jacobsz and two or three other
persons would prove what is stated above. Whereupon a cate
gorical answer, yes or no, is demanded, and in case no answer
is made, that it be taken that he, Breuckelen, still stands by what
he said.
Cornelis Teunisz asking for a copy of the foregoing charges
and eight days' delay in which to make answer, his request is
granted. Whereas Cornelis Hendricksz van Es has before this been
called upon and urged by the honorable director of the colony
of Rensselaers'wyck to pay a certain bond given in case Cryn
Cornelisz should fail to pay, amounting to the sum of one hun
dred and fifty guilders, and also an absolute assignment of thirty-
six guilders, fifteen stivers, as per account of Roelof Cornelisz,
which aforesaid bond is signed by the said van Es and C [ornelis]
Crynen, who was also called upon to pay before the said van E.S,
but declared that he had [no money] for the present. And
whereas Comelis [van Es], for the reason aforesaid, caused
Cornelis Crynen to be arrested and summoned to appear in court,
as he did appear twice, to recover the amount from him, but
van Es failed to appear and to prosecute his action, therefore
Cornelis Crynen [ j
[30] so that for the reason above mentioned it is ordered that
he, van Es, shall tender and pay the amount of the bond and
the assignment, with interest at the rate of one penny in sixteen,
before his departure from here, referring him for the recovery of
the amount to the person against whom his action must be
brought and whom he caused to be arrested and summoned to
appear, to wil, Cornelis Crynen ; all cum expensis.
Comelis van Es i i i i
persons attached and summoned
to appear on the next court day.

First , ,
Pieter Claes

which is now, action being brought by the director against both
and by Andries de Vos against Pieter Claesz.

74 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Hans Vos is ordered by the court to proceed to the house of
Cornelis van Es and Pieter Claesz, to watch over their property
until they shall have rendered their accounts and performed their
duties, all on payment of proper wages to Hans Vos.
This day. May 3, 1649, Jacob Hevick has leased from the
director and conmiissioners of this colony at twenty guilders a
year, for the term of six years, a certain house belonging to him
and a garden situated north of the house and farm of Jan
Baerentsz and south of that of Thomasz Jansz, provided that
Jacob Hevick shall have free of rent all the land that he shall
clear within the aforesaid time ; furthermore Jacob must in addi
tion yearly deliver two pairs of fowls. The lease commenced
at Easter.
B. V. Slichtenhorst
This is X the mark of
Jacob Hevick, made v«th his owti hand
Jan van Twiller
This is the X mark of
Willem Fredericksz, as witness
Acknowledged before me,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
[In the margin is written:]
As heretofore a considerable trade was carried on at this
place, but this has now almost completely ceased, tliis is the
reason that the place rents for not more than 20 guilders a year.
[30v] This day, the 4th of May 1 649, Antony de Hooges
and Pieter Hertgers have jointly leased from the honorable
director of this colony, for the term of three years, for a garden,
the ground lying to the north of and close under [the walls of]
Fort Orange, to the south of and next to the yard of the honor
able patroon, being the ground where heretofore the trading
house of the honorable patroon stood, and to the east of the

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 75
churchyard,'^ on condition that they give one beaver a year. In
case necessity requires it, the director reserves the right to lay
out a road through the garden to the churchyard, or an emer-'
gency road,^ on condition that two gates shall be made and kept
in repair at the patroon's expense. The lessees have signed this
lease with their own hands. Done in Rensselaerswyck, on the
date above written.
A: DE Hooges
Pieter Hertgers
Court proceedings. May 6 Anno 1 649
Pieter Claesz promises here before the court to deliver up the
house, barn and hay barracks used by him last year in as good
condition as he received them.
[A note in the margin says:] De Vos has used his barn five
years, his dwelling house three years and the hay barrack four
years.

^voorde iydi van drie Jaeren gepachi de groni tot een tuyn gelegen
benoorden dicht ondert Fori Orangien, besuyden naesi aenden Hoff
vande Ed: Heer Patroon, synde de groni daer voor desen hei handelhuys
vande Ed: Heer Palroon heeft gesiaen, ende beoosien hei kcrckhof. The
patroon's Hoff probably refers to the garden belonging to the patroon's
house, which was occupied by Van Slichtenhorst. Van Slichtenhorst
afterwards claimed that he had more than a hundred sleigh loads of
manure drawn into this hof and kept the clapboard fence around it in
repair at his own expense. The term ^erc^/io/ may be used in the general
sense of a burying ground, but may also mean the plot around the former
trading house of the patroon, which according to a petition presented
by de Hooges on March 27, 1648, had shortly before been turned
into a church. The words : " being the ground where heretofore the
trading house of the honorable patroon stood," are inserted in the margin
and may, perhaps, in the original have been inserted in the wrong place
and be intended to apply, not to the Hoff, but to the ground leased for a
garden. ^ Nooiwech. Hugo de Groot, Inleiding tot de Hollandsche Rechis-
Geleerdheyd, Book II, chap. 35, § 7, says: Noodweg is een weg alleen
te gebruicken tot den oogsi, tot een lijck ofte andere noodzakelickheid
{Noodweg is a road to be used only for the transportation of Crops, a
dead body, or for other necessary purposes) .

76 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
May 28 Anno 1649
Whereas Director Slidhtenhorsit caused 200 schepels of wheat
belonging to Adriaen vander Donck to be attached, whereof a
written notice was sent to him and a date was set for trial of the
case on the 27th of May Anno 1 649, payment is demanded for
the horses, cattle and the appurtenances thereof, according to
the notice, cum expensis; and in case of failure to appear, [it is
demanded that] the first default [be granted], with the benefit
thereof, and the right to serve peremptory notice de novo and to
appoint another day for trial.
[3 1 ] Whereas Gysbert Cornelisz aende Berch was ordered
some time ago to deliver to Evert Pels two cows with a heifer
and he, Gysbert, being called upon and urged to do so, has posi
tively and stubbornly refused to give up the aforesaid cattle, he
is hereby ordered by the court to deliver the said cattle to Evert
Pels or his agent under the penalty of three guilders for one day's
delay, six guilders for two days, nine guilders for three days and
so on multiplied, and arbitrary correction, cum expensis.
[In the margin:] May 19, this order was served and read
to him. For which refusal the aforesaid Gysbert is summoned to
appear in court under penalty of the highest fine to be imposed
by the patroon. Court proceedings. May 20 Anno 1649
[Part of the page left blank]
May 22, 1649
Pieter Claesz is released from his bail bond executed for his
father-in-law ^ van Es, dated March [ ]
[ ] his own action [ ]
[31v] Copy
Pieter Claesz, [you are hereby] ordered to let Jan van
Bremen have two of the strongest horses, one stallion and one

^ Schoon vaeder.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 77
gelding, which said Jan shall feed oats at his expense, for which
room shall be given him at your house, and in case you refuse,
you are liable to the fine imposed in such cases. Guard yourself
against damage. February 3, Anno 1649.
By order of the director and the commissioners,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
Court Proceedings, May 29 Anno 1649
The honorable court of this colony of Rensselaerswyck having
examined the complaint of the director against Michiel Jansz,
together with the answer, replication and rejoinder, and having
duly considered everything, hereby order the said defendant to
render an itemized account of everything in proper form to the
aforesaid director. [32] May 31, 1649
Whereas question has arisen between Director Slichtenhorst
and Mons'. Adriaen vander Donck about the claim heretofore
presented by vander Donck, the director, after examination of
his lawful debit and alleged credit accounts, caused two hundred
schepels of wheat belonging to vander Donck to be attached,
according to the writ served on him, in which the date on which
he was to appear was fixed at the 27th of May 1 649. Vander
Donck having appeared on the -2 1st instant, it was arranged and
agreed that the 21st instead of the 27th would serve as the date
of appearance, as it actually did serve, as will sufficiently appear
from the complaint and the written answer of vander Donck, in.
his own hand. And whereas vander Donck claims and alleges
that the appointed day passed without prosecution of the case,
and he, in bad faith, transferred his title to the aforesaid 200
schepels of wheat to others (in derogation of vander Donck's
former agreement), as vander Donck has himself declared in
the presence of the said Slichtenhorst and Antonio de Hooges,
therefore, the court messenger, by order of the director, on the

78 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
3 1 st of the aforesaid month of May, once more served an attach
ment against the person of the said vander Donck and by mutual
consent arranged to have court held at two o'clock in the after
noon of the said 31st of May; however, without prejudice to
Director Slichtenhorst's former legal right as regards the wheat
transferred to others, which remains intact as before and for
which the former attachment was made, his case being prose
cuted from day to day, at the expense of the party who shalj be
found in tha wrong, for which security is demanded ; all without
loss or damage, cum expensis.
Furthermore, an attachment is served against him to make
reply to written interrogatories.
Extraordinary session, on the date above written
The honorable court shows that the 200 schepels of wheat
belonging to Adriaen vander Donck, which were attached, can
not be received or delivered without the consent of the court, as
the attachment was made by order of the court .
[remainder illegible] .
[32v] Copy
After the fire, in the year 1646, had destroyed one of the,
[two] farms on Casteels island, Adriaen vander Donck, who
had had possession thereof, resolved to sell his remaining interest
in the farm, with the consent of and before the court. After the
sale, vander Donck resolved to leave the colony, which he did,
also with the consent of the court, having first delivered his
account to Mons'. de Hooges. But as they could not finally
settle the accounts in regard to the burned house and some other
claims on both sides, they decided to write at the first opportunity
for advice to the guardians of the patroon of the colony and then
to settle their accounts. Thereupon vander Donck departed.
Anno 1647, after the arrival of the ship Valckenier, vander
Donck brought suit before the court against Mons'. de Hooges,
while he was at the Manhatans and demanded final settlement,
but de Hooges had not yet sent over the account, so that he was

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 79
ordered to do so at the first opportunity, when they were to pro
ceed with the case. The account was sent over on the ship de
Princes, which was wrecked and the account was lost. Anna
1648, Director Brant van Slichtenhorst arrived and vander
Donck several times requested him, verbally and in writing and
also by petition to pay the money coming to him according to
his account, but never received any. Finally, some effects of
vander Donck having been attached by the director of this colony
anno 1 649, the [ ] of May, it was agreed upon by Director
Brant van Slichtenhorst on the one side and Adriaen vander
Donck on the other side [ ]
[ 1
[33] guardians of the honorable patroon of this colony and
Adriaen vander Donck, upon this condition and stipulation that
whoever is entitled to anything shall receive the money there,^
without the parties referring each other to New Netherland.
And in case it should happen that the honorable guardians on
the one side and Adriaen vander Donck on the other side had
any points about which they could not agree, neither of the
parties, to wit, neither the honorable guardians, nor vander
Donck, shall have the right to resort to or make use of judicial
proceedings to settle the matter, but both parties, the guardians
as well as vander Donck, shall be held to leave their dispute to
the decision of arbitrators, whom they shall mutually chose, each
party choosing one according to his pleasure and the two joining
to themselves a third person, to whom all disputes shall be left
for final decision, without either side attempting to do anything
to the contrary. And the director of the colony of Rensselaers
wyck hereby promises and binds himself that the honorable
guardians on their part shall faithfully carry out this contract
without any exception, just as vander Donck on his part promises
to do this. But in case either one of the parties, except by reason
of death or other serious misfortune, should fail to perform his

Namely, in Holland.

80 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
part, the other party shall be free to recover his loss cmd damage
wherever it shall seem best to him.
Furthermore, Director Slichtenhorst shall not write to his
honorable masters about this matter or advise them of it without
sho'wing Adriaen vander Donck before his departure [ ]
[ ]
[33v] vander Donck, after receipt of the gravamina to be
brought forward by the honorable Director Slichtenhorst, shall
deliver to his honor the reply with such other gravamina, if any,
as he may have, and thus mutually exchange the papers in the
case. Thus done and decided in good faith on the date above
written, and in 'witness of the truth confirmed with their usual
signatures and sealed 'with their seals, in the colony of Rens
selaerswyck. And was signed: B. V. Slichtenhorst
Adriaen vander Donck And besides their
names sealed vsath the seals of
both of them.
Below was written: Thus signed and sealed and acknowledged
before me, secretary of the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, Antonio de Hooges, Secretary
After collation this is found to agree with the original.
Certified by me,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
[34] Court proceedings, June 3 Anno 1649
Thomas Jansz, plaintiff, against Evert Pels, about surgeon's
fees for wounds inflicted.
Evert Pels says that he is not bound to make compensation,
because Thomas Jansz was just as guilty as he was.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 81
Hans Vos is ordered and commanded to go to the house of
Gysbert aende Berch and there by judicial process to levy the
share of the animals for the farm of Evert Pels, as was ordered
heretofore, to wit, 2 cows and one heifer.
June 4 Anno 1649
The honorable director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck and
Evert Pels have by mutual consent, without any further claims
on their part in any manner whatsoever, completely referred and
tumed over to Mons'. Adriaen vander Donck and Jan Lourisz
Appel for proper decision and settlement the legal questions at
issue between them both, to which [decision] they fully submit
themselves.
B. V. Slichtenhorst Evert Pels
Acknowledged before me,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
[34v] June 5 Anno 1649
Director Brant van Slichtenhorst and A. de Hooges and
Johannes van Twiller as commissioners have after mature
deliberation ordered and decided, as they do hereby, that
Adriaen vander Donck may not receive or unload the two hun
dred schepels of wheat attached in the hands of Cornelis Segersz,
except upon security given by two sufficient sureties before the
court here, in default whereof the attachment will remain in full
force. Johannes van Twiller is granted permission by the honorable
director to transport out of the colony for Mr Stuyvesant a horse
belonging to Cornelis Segersz, provided he receive in return a
horse of Curasao or other breed ; and Joannes van Twiller hereby
guarantees the honorable director against all loss. Dated as
above.
Jan van Twiller

82 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Pieter Claes has left the colony of Rensselaerswyck with the
knowledge and consent of the honorable director of the aforesaid
colony, on condition that he would satisfy and pay Hans Vos ior
performing his duties at his house by order of the court, accord
ing to the resolution. Also upon condition that in accordance
with his own promise he would deliver up the house, barn and
hay barracks heretofore used by him, in as good condition as
he found them. Done in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, this,
day, the 5th of June 1 649.
June 6, 1649 — Jacob Jansz Stol, for the fine incurred on
account of [assault on] Hans Vos committed on the same date
and the court day set for the first [of July] .
[35] Extraordinary session, June 8, 1649
Claes Tyssen, on June 7, 1 649, had the court messenger serve
an attachment against Adriaen vander Donck here in the colony
and appoint a court day, namely, the 8th of this month, on which
to settle his account and make payment according to the agree
ment between the parties.
Claes Andriesz and Dirck Hendricksz, both of Hilverson, are
ordered to fulfil their contract of service with those to whom they
are assigned, under penalty, on the next default, of being put on
bread and water for eight days at their own expense, vsath costs.
This will serve as a strict warning that they must faithfully per
form their service, their first offense being hereby overlooked.
Adriaen vander Donck declares here before the court, by
handfast, that he owes Claes Tyssen no more than fl. 53, say
fifty-three guilders.
Willem Fredericksz becomes surety for vander Donck's debt
of fl. 53 to Claes Tyssen.
Court proceedings, June 10 Anno 1649
Antony de Hooges becomes surety for two hundred schepels
of wheat in the hands of Cornelis Segersz which are levied by
the director on account of Adriaen vander Donck.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 83
Cornelis Segersz is ordered by the court to deliver to the
honorable director of this colony, or his agent, two hundred
schepels of wheat for the payment of [ j on pain
of forfeiting six guilders for [ ] delay
after notice shall have been served.
[35v] This 14th of June 1649, Christoffel Davits has in my
presence taken over Dirck Hendricksz from Hilverson and by
handfast promised to keep the director free from all loss and
damage. Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
Court proceedings, June 17 Anno 1649
Cornelis Segersz, being summoned to appear about the pay
ment to be made to Jan van Bremen on account of the honorable
director, as per his order, promises and is hereby ordered imme
diately to satisfy and pay Jan Dircksz in wheat or other goods
of sufficient value and in case the parties have any other differ
ence between them, they may adjust and settle their accounts
with one another, and if they can not agree, exhibit the matter
in court, all without prejudice to the claim of the honorable
plaintiff. Director B. v. Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Jan Louwerensz,
defendant, being arrested and summoned to appear on this date
about slander, according to the complaint of the plaintiff. Non
comparuit. First default.
18 June 1649 — Jan Tomensz and Jan Hageman summoned
by Vos for the second time, under penalty of 3 gl.
Appeared, but refused to take the oath.
1 9 ditto — Jan Tomensz and Jan Hageman summoned for the
third time, under penalty of 6 gl., to appear on Monday
at 9 o'clock.
ditto — Volckert Hansz summoned by Vos to appear on
the same day, or the 19th ditto, but did not appear.

84 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
21 ditto Jan Tomensz and Jan Hageman summoned for the
third time under penalty of 9 gl. to appear on the 22d
ditto [to give testimony?] to the truth and again sum
moned to appear on the 24th.
On the 22d, Jan Appel was summoned for the second time at
Slichtenhorst's demand to appear on the 24th.
[36] Court proceedings, June 24 Anno 1649
The director, plaintiff, against Jan Louwrensz Appel. Second
default. Jan Haegeman and Jan Thomasz, being summoned. First
default. Jan Verbeeck has appointed this day for Gerrit Vasterick to
appear in court. Non comparuit. First default.
June 28, 1649. Jan Dirricksz owes Peter Claes 235 gls.,
which money has been attached in the hands of Jan Dirricksz as
security for the delivery [by Peter Claesz] of the patroon's horse
and the house in as good a condition as he received them, and
for the wages of Hans Vos.
This day, the 29th of June 1649, Director B. v. Slichten
horst, in the presence of Antonio de Hooges and Johemnes van
Twiller, has delivered to Claes Bordingh all the writings and
papers in the suit between the said Mr SHchtenhorst and Adriaen
vander Donck, to deliver them faithfully to Adriaen vander
Donck. [Marginal annotation] July 22, 1649, Claes Bordingh
reported that he delivered the documents to Verdonck, to wit,
on July 6, 1 649, early in the morning, as he came out of bed.
June 28, 1 648 [ 1 649] , Hans Vos, in the name of the director,
summoned Jan Appel in the colony to appeeu- in court on July 1 ,
1649. The 29th ditto, Cornelis Tuenisz van Brueckelom suimnoned
for the second time at the request of the director to appear in
court on the 1 st of July.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 85
Court proceedings, July 1 Anno 1649
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Jan Haegeman,
defendant. 1 Proof is demanded that he had permission to trade
beavers, powder and lead in the colony.
2 How many beavers he traded there?
3 To give security for the judgment.
Jan Lourensz and Cornelis Theunisz van Breuckelen sum
moned to appear. First default.
[36v] July 1 . Jan Louwerensz Appel summoned again, for
the fourth time, to appear here before the court on the 8th of
this month.
July 3. Carsten, the Noorman, summoned on a writ of attach
ment at the request of de Hoogens to appear on the next court
day, being the 8th of this month.
Court proceedings, July 8 Anno 1649
Aert Pietersz, being summoned to appear before the court at
the instance of Domine Megapolensis, as attorney, to state
whether he is willing and intends to fulfil his promise to a cer
tain woman, named Blancke Ael,"^ Aert Pietersz says. Yes,
and promises to have himself legally united to her in matrimony
at the first opportunity.
Jan Louwerensz being summoned for the fourth time on a
warrant of attachment, makes no answer, much less purges him
self of the charges against him, but requests judgment.
Carsten Carstensz, being summoned, non compartnt. First
default. The honorable director asks for the last time citation and then
peremptory sentence in the matter of Jan Appel.
Claes Gerritsz states here before the court that he pays no
regard to the sentence of December 1 7, 1 648.

'^ Literally: Fair, or light-complexioned, Alida.

86 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
On the 8th instant Jan Appel was summoned in the colony to
appear again or once more before the court on the 1 5th.
July 1 2, Broer Cornelis was cited to appear before the court
on the 15th.
The 12th ditto, Jacob Aryaensz Ramaecker was cited to
satisfy th® judgment against him for the payment of the rent for
the year 1648. Also that on account of his fisticuffs with
Cornelis boer'^ on the island on June 20, 1 649, in the presence of
witnesses. [37] Court proceedings, July 15 Anno 1649
The honorable director issues an attachment against Jacob
Aryaensz Rademaecker to satisfy the judgment and pay the rent
for the year 1648, and to satisfy the plaintiff in regard to the
fine to be paid for fighting with Kees de boer on June 20, 1 649,
in the presence of witnesses.
The director, plaintiff, against Teunis Dircksz, defendant,
about the rent of the brewery. First default.
Christoffel Da'vits admits here before the court that he loaned
the horse which perished to Thomas,^ a mason and an English
man. The honorable court, having heard and read the complaint
of the director of this colony against Jan Louwrensz Appel and
finding that Jan Louwrensz was summoned four or five times,
but has not brought in any formal answer and only asked that
sentence should be pronounced. And whereas he has as yet
not brought forward any proper defense and seems tacitly to
admit the charges, the honorable court have decided, as they
decide hereby, that if Jan Louwrensz does not purge himself on
the next court day of the charges brought by the director, he
shall be condemned to pay the lord's highest fine and all the
costs of the suit incurred according to the declaration to be made

^ Comelis Segersz van Voorhout, farmer on Castle island.
^ Thomas Fairfax.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 87
thereof and if he does not appear and properly purge himself
of the charges, he shall be declared in contempt.
[37v] Whereas the honorable director has caused Teunis
Dircksz to be summoned to appear on account of the receipt of
the payment of the rent of the brewery and he has failed to
appear, the director is authorized, upon condition of giving
security, to le'vy on the property of Mr Abraham Staas and
Pieter Hertgers for the balance of the aforesaid rent.
Copy
We, Abraham Staas and Jacob Jansz Stol, acknowledge that
we become bail, each one separately, for the appearance of the
wife of Sander Leendersz, in the action brought by Director
Slichtenhorst according to the written summons read to her, dated
July 16, 1649, submitting ourselves to the judicature of the
colony of Rensselaerswyck, each in the amount of ten hundred
guilders. Witness our hands, this 1 6th of July 1 649. Including
herein Margariet Willems.
Was signed: Abram Staas
Jacob Jansz StoU
Tys Pietersz is ordered to repair vsathin the space of twenty-
four hours after the service of this notice to the house of the
honorable director, to receive there instructions with vs'hom he
is to stay according to his contract, under the penalty of six
guilders for the first failure to comply with this order, and in
case he refuses, he shall be forced thereto by writ of execution.
Order is also issued to Broer Cornelis to refrain from lodging
or harboring him.
This 3 1 st day of July 1 649. Jacob Jansz van Stoutenburch
having been summoned under a writ of attachment to appear on
the 2d of August of the same year to acknowledge or repudiate
his mark affixed to the lease, dated May 5, 1649, and the
appraisal of the goods on the Vlackte, amounting to fl. 1426,
and whether he did not accept the aforesaid goods according to

88 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
the specification thereof in the presence of the director, Domine
Megapolensis and other witnesses, he is asked to give security
for one year's rent and the amount of the appraisal, or else to
enter into custody.
Jacob Jansz acknowledges his signature to the deed and that
he took over the aforementioned goods according to the appraisal.
[38] The director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck being
bound under the contract with Claes Segeresz to deliver to him,
at the commencement of his lease, fhe land of his farm in condi
tion to be cultivated by him and finding thereon ten morgens
seeded with winter wheat, Claes Segersz shall next vsdinter make
compensation for the seed grain and the labor and expense which
have gone into it, and at the end of his lease leave the stubble on
the land, according to the contract. Done in the colony of Rens
selaerswyck, primo August Anno 1 649.
Was signed B: v: SHchtenhorst
A: de Hooges, witness
July 16, Director Slichtenhorst served notice on Jacob Jansz
Hap, and August 2, 1 649, on Sander Leendertsz, Frerick Lub-
bertsz, Cornelis Jansz, Harmen Dousz, skippers, not to take any
colonists with them to the Manhatans or out of the colony vnth-
out his, Slichtenhorst's, consent. The 6th ditto the same notice
was served on Aryaen Bloemert and Jan de Caper.
August 10, 1649, Cornelis Segersz summoned by Slichten
horst on the part of Gysbert [Adriaensz] to appjear on the 12th
ditto. 1 1 ditto 1 649. Willem Juriaensz being summoned to appear
because he accused Jacob Jansz Stol in public of being a whore
monger and Stol's [wife] of being a whore, which led to a fight,
the plaintiff demands that the defendant be condemned to pay a
double fine; cum expensis.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 89
[38v] The honorable officer, plaintiff, against Cornelis
Segersz, defendant.
Cornelis Segersz being summoned to appear on the 1 2th ditto,
being an extraordinary court day, to answer the complaints made
to the officer by Gysbert Adriaensz and his brother, because the
defendant, last Sunday, without any reason, much less excuse,
suddenly struck Gysbert in the face with a glass and severely
wounded him, not only cutting a deep gash, but also severing
some arteries, which is lethal;^ and whereas the defendant here
tofore has more than once, both by word and deed, committed
such outrages and is in the highest degree punishable; therefore,
the plaintiff demands that he be condemned to pay double the
fine of 300 guilders, in accordance with the ordinance of Ams
terdam or the Manhatans, and that in addition he be arbitrarily
punished as an example to others. Also that the defendant fur
thermore be condemned, in accordance with the complaint, to
pay the costs of the extraordinary session of the court, all cum
expensis. , Whereas Comelis Segersz on August 1, 1648, ventured in
the presence of Arent Andriesz, Poulus Noorman and the serv
ant of the aforesaid Arent to accuse Jan Baerentsz Poest in pub
lic of being a rascal and the biggest liar in the colony and agreed
to prove it by several witnesses, and upon examination in court
by Officer Slichtenhorst repeated the assertion and on the 3d of
the same month, being again questioned in court, was obliged to
retract his statements and deny his accusations; and whereas the
defendant in a similar way defamed the person of Councilor
Vos, as shown by the minutes of the court of October 8, 1 848 ;
therefore, the plaintiff demands that the defendant be condemned
to pay for each offense the sum of fl. [25?], two thirds to go to
the poor and one third to the plaintiff, all cum expensis.

^ twelck letael is.

90 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[39] Extraordinary session on account of vacation
August 12 Anno 1649
Comelis Segersz asks for a copy of the complaint.
[The court] having seen the signature subsequently added on
the same paper to the lease of the other farms, which signature
Cornelis Segersz before us acknowledges to be his and whereby
he binds himself under the aforesaid contract, he is hereby
ordered to observe the same and especially to have the buildings
on the farms rented by him appraised by neutral carpenters, in
accordance with the aforesaid contract, for which one carpenter
shall be chosen by each party, that is, one on the part of the
patroon and one on the part of Cornefis Segersz., And in case
Cornelis Segersz should oppose this and act contrary to his ovsti
signature subscribed in the first place, he shall be liable to pay
the loss which the patroon shall suffer thereby, the court to pro
ceed further against him according to law.
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Willem Jeuriaensz,
defendant. First default.
August 12, 1649. Comelis Segersz summoned for the sec
ond time to appear this day week, being, the 1 9th of this month.
Court proceedings, September 2 Anno 1 649
[Christoff]el Davits, plaintiff, against Thomas [Fairfax],
Englishman, defendant.
[ ] being asked for the second time
[ ] in the presence of [ ]
[ ].
[39v] Court proceedings, September 9 Anno 1 649
Cornelis Segersz is granted a lot in the byeenTVooninge (ham
let), near the first kill, on the same terms as other free men, com
mencing next Easter.
^In the margin is written: Corn. Segersz being cited by the honorable
director and asked in court whether he would not allow the houses and
the land to be appraised, he said. No, and the buildings should not be
appraised as high as the amount they had actually cost. Whereupon it
was ordered as shown [in the record] .

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 91
[In the margin is written:] Canceled December 30, 1650.
Likewise, Abraham Staas.
Andries de Vos becomes surety for [the satisfaction of the
judgment in] the action [for the recovery of the loss] of the horse
entrusted to Christoffel Davits, which was drowned.
Whereas Thomas . . .,^ the Englishman, requested that
Christoffel Da-vis should furnish surety for the satisfaction of the
judgment (as he has done), on condition that he also would
furnish surety (as he promised to do), and now, appearing, pro
duces none, it is ordered hereby that on account of the aforesaid
contumacy he shall be taken into custody by the honorable
director and his goods placed in safe-keeping. Cum expensis.
Whereas Tomes . . .,^ the Englishman, has fled from the
colony to the fort (Director Slichtenhorst having made efforts to
carry out the above order on the date above written, but he
having run away and escaped into the aforesaid fort, the afore
said director on the 13th instant and again on the 14th called
on Mons. Laberte,^ as the person in command of the said fort,
and requested the aforesaid Labete to arrest said Tomes's per
son and attach his goods in order to carry out the aforesaid
order of the honorable court, and handed him the judgment to
comply therewith in all its parts, according to the order of Mr
Stu[v]esandt, which he agreed to do in the presence of said
Slichtenhorst and Tomes himself.
[40] Copy
This day, the 3d of June 1649, Adriaen vander Donck and
Jan Louwerensz Appel, having been requested by B. v. Slichten
horst, director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, of the one part,
and Evert Pels of Statyn and Rut Jacobsz, as sureties and
bondsmen of and in the name of Jacob Aertsz, wagoner, and
Jacob Adriaensz, wheelwright, of the other part, [to act as
referees] in the dispute which they, to wit, the wheelwright and

^ Blank in the original. His name was Fairfax.
^Jean Labatie.

92 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
the wagoner, had with the director of this colony as plaintiff on
account of certain offenses committed by them, and the matter
having by both sides been placed completely and entirely into
the hands of the aforesaid Adriaen vander Donck and Jan
Louwerensz Appel, they have in all conscience and after a care
ful examination of all that is to be taken into account decided
and concluded that inasmuch as their offenses are inexcusable
each of the persons shall for himself pay to the plaintiff the here
inafter specified fines, to wat: fl. 50 — , that is to say, the
wagoner fifty guilders and the wheelwright fifty guilders, each.
Also, for expenses, each shall pay :
to the plaintiff  fl. 8-
to the secretary  8-
to Hans Vos  7-
All of which we consider to be right and proper. Further
more, in the interest of the administration of justice, by way of
honorable amends, the delinquents shall appear in court and
there acknowledge that they have done wrong and have fallen
into error through ignorance and drunkeness, praying the court
to forgive them.
Thus done and concluded in the colony of Rensselaerswyck.
on the date above written, and in, witness of the truth subscribed
with our usual signatures. Was signed : Adriaen vjmder Donk,
Jan Louwrensz Appel. Agrees with the original.
Which I certify, A: DE Hooges, Secretary
A copy hereof shall be delivered to each without charge.
[40v] Copy
This day, the 4th of June 1 649, we, Adryaen vander Donck
and Jan Louwersen Appel, have been requested by B. v.
Slichtenhorst, director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, of the

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 93
one part, and Evert Pels of Statyn,^ of the other part, to settle
a certain question at issue' between them in the court, said matter
at issue being completely and fully, just as it stands, placed into
our hands and absolutely referred to us, the aforesaid Adriaen
vander Donck and Jan Louwerensz Appel; whereupon, after
mutual examination and consideration of the same, we have
found and decided as follows :
First, in regard to Claes Tyssen, Evert Pels shall restore to
the honorable director within the space of eight days the 26
guilders which the director paid to Claes Tyssen and for the
loan of the money pay to the director the sum of fl. 1—16.
Furthermore, for the notice served on Klaes Tyssen, his servant.
Evert Pels shall for certain reasons pay to the honorable director
the sum of  fl. 4
For summons served there by the director .... fl. 3 - 4
To de Hoogens, for writing.  fl. 2 -1 0
To Hans Vos for citation  fl. 1—16
Thus done and ratified by us as regards the matter of Claes
Tyssen. As to the matter of Tomes Jansz it is decided that Evert Pels
shall pay to the Hon. Director B. v. Slichtenhorst the sum of
ten guilders, once, for costs and expenses. Finally, Evert Pels
shall pay to the officer, once for all, the sum of fl. 10, on con
dition that the director shall not trouble said Pels or his people
any more, provided Evert Pels pays as above written wathin th*
space of eight days. Thus done to the best of our knowledge
and decision in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, on the date above
written. And was signed: Adryaen vander Donck, Jan
Louwerensz Appel.
I certify that the foregoing agrees with the original
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
[41] This day, Tuesday, September 21 Anno 1649, Jan
Dircksz van Bremen complains to the honorable director about an
^ Stettin, Germany.

94 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
assault committed upon him on the public road near the house
of Willem Teyller by Dirck Hendricksz frOm Hilversom and
requests that justice be done in the matter.
The plaintiff was cut with a knife from the right to the left
side of his lower lip, from the upper corner down to his chin, so
that the right side [of his lip] hangs down loose.
He says that to the best of his knowledge the Croat ' stabbed
him with a knife through his sleeve, from the side, and that on
his turning around Dirck gave him the cut. That thereafter the
Croat and Aert Aertsz attacked each other with knives and that
subsequently Dirck aforesaid wounded said Aert.
[In the margin] This day, November 29 Anno 1649, Aert
Aertsz acknowledges and confirms this declaration which was
sworn to. Quod attestor. A: DE HoOGES, Secretary
Information taken by the director from the
mouth of Franz Jacobsz, bachelor, about
1 7 years old
Declares that Claes Andriesz from Hilversom, about mid
night, between the 20th and 2 1 st of October 1 649, lay sleeping
in the Greenen Bos, down on the river bank, before the house
where Evert Pels lives, and that Jacob Lambertsz two or three
times in succession rolled down from the upper part of the bank
over the body of Claes aforesaid, who, being awakened thereby
and angry, struck said Jacob on the head, first wdth his fist and
then with a stone, in such a way that Jacob fell. Getting up
again, Jacob ran up the bank and got a knife with which he
approached Claes, saying, after he had sharpened the knife a
couple of times on the ground. Now stand your man! Where
upon Claes, seeing this, came up the height and struck Jacob,
who cut Claes several times across the body with the back of the
knife ...
[Note in the margin:] [Clae]s says that . . . de
Goojer . . . the presence . . . has

^ Abraham Stevensz.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 95
[41 y] November 12. Comelis Segersz, or Claesen, has on
his own authority slaughtered an old cow, for which he is sum
moned to appear on Thursday next.
Extraordinary session, the 15th day of November Aimo 1649
In consideration of the high prices of foodstuffs and all that
appertains thereto and consequently of all commodities, as is
daily shown, Mons'- Arent van Curler is granted six guilders a
week for board of the mechanics who do any building or other
work at the patroon's expense on the farm called " de Vlackte,"
the same being hereby also granted to all others who furnish any
board at the proper expense of the patroon.
Court proceedings, November 18 Anno 1649
Copy The Honorable Slichtenhorst, director of the colony of Rens
selaerswyck, will please issue an attachment against Willem
Menten on the Vlackte for the sum of two hundred and twenty-
eight guilders, thirteen stivers (fl. 228-13-).
Actum, October 18, 1649. Was signed: Adriaen Jansz van
Leyden. Agrees with the original,
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
Attached and cited on the above mentioned court day by
Director Slichtenhorst. [42] Date as above
Evert Pels and Willem Fredericksz summoned by Director
Slichtenhorst in regard to the rent for the farm formerly occupied
by Cryn Cornelisz and the mill formerly used by Jacob Flodder,
for which he is to give security according to the contract of the
farm and the mills.
Willem Fredericksz, appearing, acknowledges that he leased

96 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
the farm for fl. 400 in addition to the tithes and the toepacht "
and the mills together for fl. 1 25 a year. Furthermore, as to the
wheat of Pieter Teunisz, that they received this at fl. 55 the
morgen.^ no more morgens, no more pay. Evert Pels, first
default. Adriaen Jansz, plaintiff against Willem Mynten, asks suffi
cient security for [vacating] the attachment. Willem Menten,
first default.
Cornelis Segersz. First default.
Upon the petition of the honorable director in the matter of
Michiel Jansz, it is appointed that the former judgment shall be
enforced and he is ordered once more to bring in his account,
accompanied by vouchers properly signed by sureties, in [the
beginning?] of April Anno 1650, or sooner, under penalty
[of final judgment] by default.
Notice was served on Toenis Dircksz the 22d of November
1649. [ ] November 1649 . . . [Remainder of page
destroyed.] [42v] Court proceedings, December 2 Anno 1649
Willem Menten admits that he owes Jan Lourisz the sum of
228 guilders.
Baerent Pietersz summoned by the director.
Ordered that each one shall mark his bags and that Baerent
Piertersz shall despatch each one's business as soon as possible,
in order that no more complaints may be heard.
December 8. Juriaen Westval and Jochem Ketelheym sum
moned to appear on the 1 6th of this month. December 1 6, first
default. 9 ditto. Evert Pels and Willem Fredericksz summoned like
wise. December 1 6, first default.

^ Something in the nature of a quitrent, generally paid in kind, to which
Director van Slichtenhorst was entitled. See Van Rensselaer Bowier
Mss, p. 762.
' 1 morgen = 2 acres.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 97
9 [ditto]. Beemt, the miller,^ summoned likewise. Decem
ber 16, first default.

December 13 Anno 1649
Gerrit van Wencom declares that a certain Mahican, whom
he [found] at [Aer]t Jacobsz's, at Bethlehem, on^ Wednesday,
the 8th of December 1649, [said Indian] being quite drunk
with anise water, assaulted and fell upon him in cold blood and
almost strangled him, in such a way that his head was extremely
swollen, but that he was accidently released by another Indian.
 Aertsz and Hans Vos declare 
 last week. . . [Remainder of page destroyed].
[43 ] They declare also that the strong liquor was sold to the
Indians by Aert Jacobsz by wooden bowlfuls and tapped to
them ill large quantities, the wine being mixed with water, but
that Aert aforesaid was unwilling to tap to any one, among others
to Gerrit van Wencom, who did not have ready money, saying
that he would have nothing to do with that, not even in case of
the director, so that Aert Jacobsz came back empty handed.
And that Aert Jacobsz said that for a gill of wine (mixed half
and half with water) , he could get eight stivers from the Indians.
The aforesaid deponents have confirmed and corroborated the
foregoing by the clasping of hands with the director, instead of
by oath. Quod attestor.
A: DE Hooges, Secretary
This day, the 1 4th of December Anno 1 649, the director and
commissioners have sold to Ruth Jacobsz a black stallion of 1 0
years and a bay gelding of 8 years, both for fl. 225, and for
pasturing each horse [he is to pay] yearly fl. 8.

^ Barent Pietersz Coeymans, referred to above.
4

98 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Court proceedings, December 16 Anno 1649
Willem Teyller declares that Thomas Chambers on the 21st
day of November 1 649, on the bridge of the [fort] , being drunk,
committed assault . . . [Remainder of page destroyed].
[43v] Extraordinary session, December 1 7 Anno 1 649
Jacob Hevick, appearing this day before the court upon the
[summons] of the director, in regard to some boards of the
honorable patroon which were missing and which the director
informs us for certain he saw at his house, admits here that some
time ago and again to-day he offered to settle for them with the
aforesaid director.
The commissioners, basing their action on the ground of the
aforesaid offer of settlement, which no innocent person would
have made, upon the director's proposal order in the first place
his arrest and, secondly, that proceedings be taken against him
according to law, all with costs.
Extraordinary session, December 18 Anno 1649
Examination of Jacob Hevick
Jacob is asked what has be- Answer: They are l3ang in
come of the old boards which the yard.
a short time ago were lying
near his house and which now
are gone?
Is asked whether he carted Answer: He carried them
or carried them away? away.
Is asked: [By day or] by Answers: [Remainder of
night? page destroyed] .
[44] Is asked where he Answers: 2 from Crynen
obtained the 16 new boards 2 from Casteels
lying near his house? island
12 from the Mill
Kill

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 99
Is asked what he paid for Answers: Nothing.
them? Is asked: By day or by Answers: By night.
night, namely from the Mill
Kill? Question: In what manner? Answers: With a canoe.
Is asked: From where? Answers: From the strand,
where the other boards are
lying.
Is asked who helped him? Answers: He did it alone.
December [22] 1649, Rut Jacobsz has taken the oath as
member of the council {raets vrundt) . the oath being admin
istered by the director in the presence of the commissioners.
[44v] Extraordinary session, December 20 Anno 1649
[Blank space]
Mr Rutger Jacobsz took his oath as councilor on the 22d of
December. Extraordinary session, December 22, 1649
Two qualified arbitrators having been chosen in the matter
of Jacob Hevick, to wit, Andries de Vos and Rutger Jacobsz,
they have (as the result of arbitration and with the consent of
the director according to previous conclusion) decided before the
honorable court of this colony, in the first place, that Jacob
Hevick shall restore the stolen property, or the value thereof, to
the person from whom he stole it. Furthermore, that he shall
pay to the honorable director a fine of seven guilders and two
beavers, in addition to the costs of convening the court in extra
session, according to the order [ ] and otherwise by
declaration [ ] [ ]
fifty guilders [ ] [ ] thanks the gentle
men for [ ]
[Remainder of page destroyed].

100 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[45] Memorandum. In the beginning of October 1649, the
director and commissioners decided to exchange some of the
honorable patroon's stallions for mares of Mr Arent van Curler,
pro rata, according to the value of each, which was afterwards
done. October 5, the patroon's sheep were sold to Mr Stuyvesant,
for the reason that the wolves daily destroyed many of them and
this bait also resulted in the loss of some calves.
About the same date, the director and commissioners, on the
eamest presentation of Mr Stuyvesant, presented a mare, on
condition of receiving in return at the first opportunity a Curasao
mare, the first foal of which, or the value thereof, is promised to
his son.
September 22, a stallion was sold to Andries de Vos for
fl. 50. This stallion had an accident happen to its scrotum
whereby it lost much blood, not without danger to its life, for
which reason it was sold at so low a price.
Court proceedings, December 30, 1649
Evert Pels acknowledges his signature to the contract of the
farm formerly occupied by him and agrees to render his account
within 14 days.
[ ] security for the farm . . . [remainder
of the page destroyed] . [45v] Copy
Aert Jacobsz: Deliver to Jan Reyersz, the bearer hereof,
the extra heifer which you have. It will be accounted to you for
good delivery and be deducted from the number [of animals] in
your possession. In the colony of Rensselaerswyck, this 27th of
December Anno 1649. And was signed: B. v. Slichtenhorst.
Lower was written:
Aert Jacobsz is ordered once more to deliver the said heifer
to the aforesaid person, under penalty of forfeiture of three

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 101
guilders for each day's delay after sight hereof. R-Wyck, the
30th of December 1 649. And was signed : A. de Hoogens, by
order as above. Certified by me, as director,
B. V, Slichtenhorst
[Note in the margin:]
Picket ^ declares in the presence of the director, Mr Hoogens
and Mons'. Verbrugge and in his house that Aert Jacobsz and
his wife said to him and Jan Reyersz, when lately they went to
get the aforesaid heifer and after they had first shown the order
from the director and the commissioners, that they did not care
a rap for a such a little note and, furthermore, that when Picket
wanted to untie the aforesaid animal and could not undo the
rope, the wife of the said [Aert] forcibly prevented him from
using his knife and grabbed the knife with v/hich Picket intended
to cut loose the animal.
1650, January 10. Abraham, otherwise called Crowaet,
summoned to appear on the 1 3th of this month.
The 1 1 th ditto, the director arrested Jacob van Schermerhoorn
in the colony on account of assault committed upon him in his
own or the patroon's jurisdiction and summoned him to appear
on the 1 3th of January. First default.
The 1 1 th ditto, Cornelis Segersz was likewise summoned by
the director to appear on the 1 3th, on account of an assault com
mitted upon him. First default.
The 1 3th ditto, Hans in Cluys ^ was summoned to appear on
the 20th of January to make payment and to state whether he
stands by what he said to the wagoner ' in the presence in the
presence of Tomas Koeninck's wife and others. First default.
The 13th ditto. Van Es summoned again to appear on the
next court day, to wit, the 20th, and forbidden to tap according
to the ordinance and the ordinance read to him in the presence

^Michel Picquet.
^ Hans Jansz, from Rotterdam, also called Eencluys.
^Aert Jacobsz.

102 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of Messrs Rut Jacobsz and Goesen Gerritsz, and he promises to
appear in 1 4 days.
The 1 4th, Abraham Crowaet summoned the second time, the
notice being served on [Louwerns Jansz?] in whose house he
lives. Louwerens also summoned to appear on the [ ] ditto, to
give testimony [ ] having tapped
wines [ ]
Tomes Compeer,^ to whom notice was served there as above.
Baemt, the miller,^ [ ]
[Remainder of page destroyed].
[46] Copy
Any one desiring to lease [one of] the following places is to
repair two weeks from next Monday, being the 3 1 st of Jamuary
1 650, to the house of Gysbert Cornelisz, tavemkeeper, [where]
on such terms as shall then be read [will be offered] :
Casteels island, as a whole, heretofore used by Cornelis
Segersz. Also, the farm of Jan van Bremen, and about six morgens of
land used by Cristoffel Davits and Cryn Cornelisz.
Also, two millstones, to be sold to the highest bidder
Pass it along!
Copy
Annual notice is given hereby that no one who is in arrears to
the patroon as to rent shall undertake to remove any grain, or
boards, or other effects, or in the spring send them away in any
vessels, under penalty of forfeiting the grain or effects thus sent
away and of paying in addition a fine of twenty-five guilders.
Neither shall any skipper knowingly venture to transport any
such goods, under the penalty above mentioned, nor transport
any such persons under the penalty provided by the ordinance by
the Hon. General Peter Stuyvesant.
May every one guard himself against loss.

^Thomas Higgins.
^ Barent Pietersz Coeymans.

Court Mihutes, 1648-1652

103

January [ ] Aernt at Betelhem [Bethlehem] to pay
[ ] rent, as well as the rent for the year 1649 .
[Remainder of the page destroyed] .
[46v] Interrogatories on which is to be
examined under oath Stintgen Peters, the
wife of Louwerens Jansz, living on the farm
of Aryaen Huybertsz

First, her age.
1 Whether she, the witness,
on New Year's eve, did not
have some people in her house,
to wit, Baemt, the miller, and
his brother, Lucas, Abraham,
otherwise called Craewaet,
Tomes Compeer, Englishman,
Peter de Goyer, and Tuenis,
the servant?
2 Whether in the fore part
of the night, at about 2 o'clock
in the morning, there were not
two shots fired before her
door?
3 Also, which persons did
the firing? .
4 Whether, at the aforesaid
firing Hans Vos did not come
to her house, as one could not
tell what it meant, whether it
was done by friend or enemy?
5 Whether Baernt, the miller,
and his brother did not try to
hit Hans Vos, who was sent
there by order of the director
and whether Aryaen Huy
bertsz and the wife of the said

Declares : About 40 years.
Answers: Yes.

Says, she heard it, but was
in the barn to milk the cows.

Says, that she does not know
exactly. Answers as [stated] in the
question.

Says, that she
already in bed.

was

then

104

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Baernt did not try to prevent
it? 6 Whether Beernt and his
brother tore Hans Vos's bald
ric from his body and to
pieces? Also, whether Beernt, after
the witness had gone to bed,
did not get [six] sausages from
the garret, that the same fell
. . . so that she, the wit
ness, ran out of her bed and
[recovered] some pieces of the
six sausages [and pulled] an
other piece out of Beernt's
[hand] ?

Answers as above.

Answers in accordance with
the question.

[47] Court proceedings, January 20 Anno 1650
As to the affairs of Jacob Hevick, as something, or so much
as shall appear to the honorable patroon by lawful account, is
due him from the patroon, the amount thereof, subject to the
patroon's decision, is for the present deducted from his debt.
Abraham Stevensz admits that on New Year's eve, 1 650, he
fired twice at the house of Adr[i]aen Huybertsz.
January 29, 1650
Teunis Cornelisz acknowledges that he surrendered his lease
of the farm to the director on January 27, 1650, which the
director accepted on condition that he must pay [what he owed] .
Teunis Cornelisz answers that another house was promised
him and that the present one is not habitable on account of the
smoke, which sometimes makes it necessary for him to lead his
wife outdoors, and that he gave it up on that account.
The director answers that Steven Jansz called on his honor

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 105
and told him that the lumber was not yet all near the [house],
which Theunis Cornelisz admits, but he says that the building
need not have been delayed on that account.
[47v] Court proceedings, February 3, 1650
Abraham Stevensz has this day leased the meadow ( Valeye)
behind the farm of Broer Cornelis for one and a half beavers a
year, on condition that all expenses shall be borne by him, and
this for the period of four or five years.
February 17, 1650
The director, for his charges in connection with the misde
meanor committed by Abraham Stevensz Croaet in shooting
during the night, is granted, in accordance with his bill, forty
guilders, once, which the said director is to levy by execution.
Hans Vos is granted by the court the sum of one hundred
guilders for his supervision during the past year at the house of
Cornelis van Es and Pieter Claesz, for which execution may be
had against van Es, as surety, on condition that he be given two
weeks' notice.
[48] Cornelis van Es and Teunis having been summoned to
appear on the date above written, the first default is entered
against them.
Hans Vos is granted by the court the sum of eight guilders for
having in the name of the patroon, at the peril of his life, pursued
the fugitive, Harmen vanden Bogaert, outside the limits of the
colony.^ Know all men by these presents that the honorable director
and commissioners of the colony of Rensselaerswyck of the one
part and Tuenis Dircksz van Vechten of the other part intend to
sell to the highest bidder the brewery in the Grenen Bosch, to

^See resolution of the director general and council of New Netherland
of February 8, 1648 {N. Y. Col. Mss, 4:360). See also J. H. Innes.
New Amsterdam and iis People, p. 68-71.

106 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
wit, the house, caldron, vat, tubs and whatever else pertains to
the brewery, as it shall be found on the day of sale, when the
conditions as set forth in the inventory will be read. Those who
are interested are to repair Monday week, being the 7th of
March anno 1 650, to the house of Gysbert Cornelisz, tavern-
keeper, and there, having heard the conditions, to seek their
advantage. Pass it along!
February 26, 1650, Mons'. Verbrugge in the name of the
Hon. General Peter Stuyvesant [protested against] the taking
pvossession of Catskil.
Cornelis Segersz and Aert Jacobsz of Betelhem summoned
[ ] February 1650.
[One or two lines destroyed].
[48v] Court proceedings, March 3, 1650
Resolved that Cornelis Segersz, pursuant to the ordinances of
May 31 and June 10, 1649, shall pay to the director for the
benefit of the patroon, within the space of three weeks after the
date hereof, the 200 schepels of wheat attached, or the value
thereof in merchantable goods, under penalty of peremptory exe
cution, on condition that the director give security and a receipt
therefor. [Notes in the margin:] "The 200 schepels of wheat of
Comelis Segersz, by way of memorandum." " This judgment
was read to him in court."
Resolved that Cornelis Segersz's account shall be examined,
whatever is wrong to be rejected and what is right to be accepted,
and that the matter at issue shall then be referred to the honorable
masters, on condition that Cornelis Segersz furnish surety for the
payment. [Note in the margin:] " This was also read to him in court."
The director, plaintiff, against Jacob Flodder, defendant.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 107
The director demands that Jacob aforesaid, for having
wounded Poulus, the Noorman, in the head with a tankard, be
fined fl. 300, according to the ordinance.
The defense of Jacob and Poulus is put over until [a week?]
from this day.
[49] The director, plaintiff, against Christoffel Davits,
defendant :
For having hit Ryck Rutgersz on the head with a post ; double
fine; For having beaten his servant black and blue; same fine as
above ;
For having struck Jan van Bremen on the head with a
tankard, making two wounds; fl. 300.
Jeuriaen Bestval acknowledges his signature to the contract.
Thomas Fairfax is ordered to furnish surety within two weeks
from this day for the judgment in the action brought against him
by Christoffel Davits.
Gysbert aende Berch ^ promises within two weeks to furnish
surety for the rent of his farm and to pay as much as possible.
Jacob Lambertsz is warned once more to pay his fine to the
director within the space of two weeks, or to furnish two sufficient
sureties. [49v] March 2, 1650. Vos attached all the grain on the
Hoogen Berch.
9 ditto. All the grain on the farms of Tunis ^ and Jochim ^
attached by Vos.
9 ditto. Dirck de Goyer * summoned to appear on the 1 7th
ditto. 15 ditto. The director attached all the grain of Cornelis
Segersz, both thrashed and unthrashed.

^Gysbert Cornelisz from Breuckelen, so named from the farm called
the Berch, or the Hooge Berch (the High Hill), occupied by him.
^Teunis Dircksz van Vechten.
"Jochem Kettelheym.
* Dirck Hendricksz, from Hilversum, in the Gooi, province of North
Holland.

108 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Court proceedings, March 1 7 Anno 1 650
Those who hold under a lease any property of the patroon,
whether farms, mills, or other [property from which they receive]
emoluments, must sign the lease v/ithin the space of three weeks
after the notice is served, on pain of being deprived of the lease.
All those who heretofore have held any property in common
with the patroon and afterwards have kept the farm implements,
household effects and other property for their private use, con
trary to all law, are ordered hereby to deliver a correct inventory
thereof within two weeks from the date of service of the notice
and to confirm tlie same by oath, after which both sides shall
choose impartial persons to make an appraisal.
[In the margin is written:] March 21, 1650, notice was
served on Toenis Dircksz and Broer Comelis.
Jan Reyersz offers himself as surety for Ryck Rutgersz for the
fulfilment of his contract in all its parts.
[50] The director is granted permission and hereby urged to
arrest de facto and take into bodily custody one Dirck de Goojer,
the court being ready to hear the director's complaint against him.
Likewise, Claes ^ and Jacob Lambertsz, his comrades.
This day, Mr Carel van Bruggen, assisted by Pieter Prins
and Jan Labatie, as witnesses, has delivered to the director a
protest against claiming title to Catskil.
Jacob Flodder says here [in court] that Poulus called him a
rascal, for which he is fined by the director.
Claes Segersz and Jeuriaen Bestval offer themselves as sureties
for the payment of three years' rent by Gysbert Cornelisz aende
Berch and confirm this by the clasping of hands.
Jacob Flodder denies that the director saw him drinking at
the house of Gysbert Cornelisz, tavemkeeper, on Sunday morn
ing, December [13?] 1648.
The director, Jacob Flodder and Poulus, the Noorman, subr
mit their differences for final decision to the commissioners and
councilors of this colony.
^ Claes Andriesz.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 109
Ryck Rutgersz acknowledges that he sold to Jacob Flodder
the lumber which is ready for the house or barn.
[50v] Extraordinary session, Friday, March 18, 1650
Personal confession of Claes Andriesz of Hilversom
He admits that on July 16, 1649, he struck at Hendrick
Driesz ^ with a knife.
He denies " that on September 20, 1 649, he drew a sheath
instead of a knife across the director's body.
He denies that Steven Jansz shut the door in his face.
He admits that he treated the director insolently on the public
road between Thomas Jansz's and Gysbert's and asked the
director what indliced him to summon him, but says that the
director asked him first why he had not appeared.
He denies that he challenged his master, Jan Baerentsz, but
admits she challenged Steven Jansz once, but did not draw a
knife. He denies that on September 20, 1 649, he ran after Jan van
Bremen. He admits that on January 31,1 650, he struck Gysbert aende
Berch on the forehead.
He admits that he asked Steven Jansz whether he had been
yet to the director's, whereupon Steven replied. Yes, and he then
said that he [the director] might speak to him about it if he chose.
He denies having challenged Steven Jansz with a knife on
February 20, 1650.
[In the margin is written:] March 26, 1650, he begged for
giveness on his knees.
[51] Confession of Dirck Hendricksz of Hilversom
He admits that on July 12, 1649, he unhitched one of the
patroon's horses which was tied near the patroon's house and
^Hendrick Andriesz, from Doesburch.
^bekent (admits) is changed to onikcnl (denies).

1 1 0 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
rode it into the Casteels island creek, with the result that the
horse was drowned under him.
He denies having slandered the director on December 19,
1 649. [ In the margin is written : ] Hans Vos testifies that he did.
He denies having practically prevented Jan van Bremen
before the door of the barn of Evert Pels from taking a horse
out of the barn.
He acknowledges having entered into a contract with the
patroon and also that on his own authority he left the service.
He says that Adriaen Huybertsz on Shrove-Tuesday invited
him to his house out of friendship and that he did not seek
trouble. He denies that Thomas Chamber struck him or that they
grappled with each other.
He admits that on September 20, 1 649, he ran after Jan van
Bremen and Aert Otterspoor and cut said Jan Dircksz with a
knife. Dirck declares that Jacob Lambertsz took Claes Andriesz,
who lay sleeping on the river banck near the house of Evert Pels,
by the arm and rolled with him down the bank, whereupon Claes
struck said Jacob with a stone and that thereupon Jacob went to
get his knife and wounded said Claes.
[51v] Extraordinary session, March 19 Anno 1650
Gysbert Cornelisz, tavemkeeper, and Pieter Prins declare
that the savages, who some time ago made the disturbance before
the patroon's house, had come over drunk from the other side.
Extraordinary session, March 21 Anno 1650
Dirck Hendricksz declares that Croaet, last fair day,^ held a
knife in his hand while grappling with Aert Aertsz. He says
that Jan van Bremen and Aert did him no harm at the time.

^ kermis; generally referring to the Amsterdam fair, which according
to New York Colonial Mss, 1 :268v came in 1 641 on September 22.
In this case, however, according to the minutes, September 21, 1 649,

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 1 1 1
Extraordinary session, March 22 Anno 1650
Andries Herberts offers himself as surety for Thomas Fairfax
in the action brought against him on account of the horse that
was drowned.
Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck binds himself as surety for
Jacob Lambertsz, to wit, in the sum of fl. 83, due of old, which
he promises to pay -within three weeks.
Goossen Gerritsz binds himself as surety for Jacob Lambertsz,
to wit, in fl. 150, the amount determined upon by composition.
[52] Croaet says that Jan van Bremen and Aert Otterspoor
last fair day did him no harm. Croaet admits having drawn a
knife on Aer)^ but says that Aert drew his knife first.
Upon the director's request that Croaet [be ordered to] give
bail, consent is given, on condition that Jan van Bremen and Aert
likewise give bail.
Extraordinary session, March 25 Anno 1650
The case of Claes for definite reasons adjourned until
to-morrow, in order with God's help to dispose of it if possible.^
[52v] Extraordinary session, March 26 Anno 1 650 ^
In the matter of several serious misdemeanors of Claes
, Andriesz from Hilversum.
On the very urgent prayer of his master, Jan Baerentsz

is intended. It would be interesting to know whether as early as 1 649
a fair was actually held in the colony. It may in this connection be
observed that an act passed on November 11, 1 692, provided " that
there be held and kept in the City and County of Albany, two ffairs
yearly the first ffair to be kept at Albany and to Commence the third
Tuesday of July and to end on the fryday then next following being in
all four days inclusive and no longer and the second fair to be held at
Crawler [Craloo] in Renselaer Wyck on the third Tuesday in October,
and to end on the ffryday following being in all four dayes inclusive and
no Longer." Colonial Laws of New York, ' :298. See also ordinance
of March 10, 1648, in Laws and Ordinances of New Netherland,
p. 89.
^In the margin is written: March, summoned late." The rest of the
page is blank.
^Also printed in Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 731-32.

1 1 2 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Wemp, and his wife, and perceiving the great need of the same,
the honorable members of this court are moved to decide as
follows, but upon the express pledge of the delinquent.
1st. That he, Claes Andriesz, shall not enter any tavern of
this place to drink beer, wine or distilled liquors.
2d. That he shall promise under oath that he will faithfully
serve his present master and master's wife, or any other master
whom he may get in the colony, and do their work and obey
them in everything. Also, that he will not leave their service or
the colony before and until he has fulfilled his obligations to
them, the director and the patroon according to his contract and
promise and that on the Lord's day of rest he wiH go to hear
God's Holy Word instead of going to the tavem and will show
and yield all proper obedience to the public authorities.
3d. Tha! he shall also promise under oath that he will give
no one, whether man, woman or any aged person, either by word
or deed, the least cause for complaint which might result in
damage of any sort; [53] and if he does, he shall be publicly
punished for all his previous misdemeanors, though all his fines,
costs of extraordinary sessions of the court, etc., had been paid.
All that is hereinbefore written, Claes Andriesz aforesaid,
without fetters, promises to perform in every respect, fully con
firming the same by oath in the presence of the aforesaid honor
able members of the Court, according to his own hand, binding
therefor his person and property, which he now owns or here
after may own, be it in this country, in the fatherland or else
where; to this end submitting himself to the honorable court and
to all other courts and justices, without exception, all 'with costs.
In witness whereof, he has signed this with his own hand in the
colony of Rensselaers'wyck, this 26th of March Anno. 1650.
Claes Andriesz
And Claes Andriesz has made a formal promise as above
before this honorable court. Quod attestor,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 113
Jan Baerentsz Wemp promises and hereby binds himself to
pay within one month from this date one hundred guilders in
part payment of the fines of Claes Andriesz. Dated as above.
March 30, 1650. Cornelis Toenisz and Abraham Stevensz
de Capiteyn ^ summoned to appear to-morrow.
[53v] Court proceedings, March 31 Anno 1650
Willem Jeuriaensz acknowledges his signature to his contract.
Also, that he bought in the year 1 648 one cow and in the year
1649 another cow from the patroon, at the prices agreed upon.
Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck denies that recently and
again on March 26, 1 650, at the leasing of the farms at the house
of Pieter Bronck, he called Hans Vos a rascal or a thief catcher.
Upon the petition of the honorable director:
Passing by all other considerations, it is ordered in general
that he shall bind himself by definite agreement to comply with
what the honorable guardians shall ordain, binding therefor his
property, present or future, in the possession of himself or his
heirs, under siibmission to the honorable court here, or wherever
it may please the honorable patroon or his agent. Provided that
van Es (after a copy of everything has been handed to him)
shall within the space of two months from this date bring in his
account and send a remonstrance setting forth his arguments to
the honorable guardians.
Underneath was written :
By order of the honorable court aforesaid,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
[54] Jan Dircksz binds the 200 guilders due him by the
patroon and furthermore his liquid as well as not readily avail
able assets as security for the judgment and also for Arent
Otterspoor.

^Literally: Abraham Stevensz, the captain. He is in other places
referred to as de Croaet, the Croat, and may have been a soldier in
the army of Count Montecucculi which invaded the province of Gelder
land and the Gooi in 1629.

1 1 4 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Ruth Jacobsz offers himself as surety for the satisfaction of
the judgment in the case of Abraham Steventz Croaet.
Extraordinary session, April 4, 1650
Jan van Bremen says that Willem Menten was present at the
fight between him and Dirck Hendricksz of Hilversum.
Judgment as to the horse drowned by Dirck Hendricksz from
Hilversum :
The director maintains that Christoffel Davits is bound to
make good the loss of the horse.
The two commissioners {gecommitteerden). namely, de
Hooges and Jan van Twiller, and the two councilors {Raeden) ,
Ruth Jacobsz and Goossen Gerritsz, maintain as follows:
That the horse was intrusted to Christoffel Davits, but that he
lent it to one Thomas Fairfax, his servant, for his own use as well
as, among other things (as Thomas has declared before us), to
fetch bread for Christoffel Davits. But that, after Thomas had
left the horse, properly hitched, in the public square near the
fort, trusting to [the safety of] the common road and the
[vicinity of?] the patroon's house, Dirck Hendricksz, also a
servant of said Christoffel Davits, unhitched the horse and riding
it deliberately let it drown, and that now, being in irons, and
being admonished about it by the director, as the guilty [ ]
[ ] they maintain . . .
[remainder of the page destroyed] .
[In the margin is written:] The director appeals from the
judgment. Certified by me, A. de Hooges.
[54] Antony de Hooges protests here before the commis
sioners and councilors that Director Brant van Slichtenhorst has
to this date rendered no account to them, the commissioners, as
required by his instructions.
Mr Brant van Slichtenhorst states that he would doubtless
have received something if Antony de Hooges had not snapped
it up.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 115
Aernt Aertsz van Otterspoor offers himself as surety for the
payment by Dirck Henricksz of two hundred guilders for the
offenses committed by him according to the judgment of the court.
Witness my mark, the 1 4th of April 1 650.
This is the mark made by Aernt Aerntsz
Otterspoor X with his own hand
in the presence of Jan van Twiller
Extraordinary session, April 5 Anno 1650
Dirck Hendricksz Goojer is ordered for the present to go at
the first opportunity in the service of the patroon to Katskil, his
case to be disposed of some time hereafter according to his
conduct. [55] Court proceedings, April 28 Anno 1650
Catalyn Donckersz ^ is ordered to compound for her offense
with the honorable director.
The 12th of May Anno 1650
After the close of the sermon,^ the director, in the presence of
A. de Hooges and Rutger Jacobsz, offered and proposed to
Jacbb Waelingen to let him have the lease of the farm of Teunis
Cornelisz, but he dedined it. Also, at first, to let him have tha
use of the farm of Pieter Teunisz, which he likewise declined.
In the afternoon he agreed with Teunis Dircksz about the six
morgens of land in the rear of the farm of the said Teunis
Dircksz, cultivated by Teunis Comelisz, on the following' terms :
Teunis Dircksz shall pay to Teunis Cornelisz for the seed
which is at present on the land fifty guilders,- and to the patroon
for this year's rent, one hundred guilders. At the next stubble

^The wife of Sander Leendertsz Glen.
^A^aer het eyndigen vande Predicatie. May 12, 1650, came on a
Thursday.

1 1 6 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
time, the land shall revert to the patroon, to be leased as con
venient. And Teunis Dircksz agrees to take the land without
any horses, cattle, or other conditions.
[55v] May 1 9, 1 650. Teunis Dircksz cited to appear before
this court a week from to-day, being the 26th of this month.
Copy ^
To the Honorable, Valiant, Very Worshipful Mr Petro Stuy
vesant, Director General of New Netherland, Curasao,
etc., and to his honor's associated Council:
Whereas we understand from others and especially are
informed in writing that your honors are instructed and conse
quently intend to oppose and prevent the settlement of Catskil,
which was undertaken and is proceeding by order of the honor
able guardians, and thus come into conflict with the latest order
of their honors aforesaid, as the accompanying copy will show,
we are compelled to remonstrate to your honors, since two con
flicting matters can not be reconciled unless one give way and
your honors must realize that it is impossible for us not to follow
the instructions which according to our oath we are bound to
carry into effect as far as it is possible, that suth [opposition] is
unbecoming united fellow countrymen and incompatible wdth the
bond of union by which we are all joined together and that on
the contrary we should help each other in every possible way.
Our first request and proposal, therefore, is that your honors will
be pleased to postpone the execution of your plans and have
patience until by the first opportunity we are advised by our
lords and masters how to govern ourselves. Meanwhile, we
promise not to transport, nor to allow to be transported thither,
any people, tools or other necessaries, until we have further
advice, when we shall consider ourselves in duty bound to write
again.

^ For extracts from this remonstrance see O'Callaghan, History of New
Netherland, 2:161.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 117
Wherewith, Honorable, Valiant, Very Worshipful Gentle
men, Mr Peter Stuyvesant and the Council, we commend
you to the protection of Almighty God and send you greet
ings from the director and commissioners of the colony of
Rensselaerswyck. Signed: B. V. SLICHTENHORST
A: DE Hooges, Commissioner
Rensselaerswyck, June 15 Anno 1650
[56] Court proceedings, June 23 Anno 1650
Resolved that the fl. 1 92 which Claes Tyssen honestly earned
on the Vlackte shall be paid to him by the director.
Evert Pels, having been summoned, did not appear.
Court proceedings, June 30 Anno 1 650
The ordinance of the Honorable Stuyvesant and the Council
of New Netherland, in regard to the regulation and change in
value of the wampum, dated May 30, 1650,^ is approved and
ratified by us in its entirity, so that every one is to govern himself
accordingly. The honorable director, commissioners and councilors of this
colony, having weighed and considered the contents of the ordi
nance concerning the depreciation of the wampum, now posted
in Fort Orange, have for pregnant reasons ratified and hereby do
ratify the same, so that every inhabitant of this colony is to
govern himself accordingly and to comply with the provisions of
the aforesaid ordinance, under the penalty provided, which shall
be enforced by this honorable court. Let every one guard him
self against damage.
Done in the colony, the 30th day of June A°- R. 5, 1650.^
A: DE Hooges, Secretary

^Printed in Laws and Ordinances of New Netherland, p. 115—16.
^Anno Regni 5, meaning the fifth year of the reign of Johannes van
Rensselaer, the second patroon. According to O'Callaghan, History of
New Netherland, 1:345; 2:68, and Brodhead, History of ihe State

1 1 8 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[56v] Jan van Twiller, Gerrit Vasterick, A. de Hooges,
Ruth Jacobsz and Goossen Gerritsz having examined the seawan
of the patroon which was received before the depreciation of the
seawan, find that the same must be valued at eight for one stiver
and as the greater part of it is strung, those who take it in pay
ment shall receive according to the custom and the provisions of
the ordinance.
And whereas the seawan in the treasury before the publica
tion, according to the specified account thereof, amounted to the
sum df [blank] , it is decided that the patroon shall stand the loss.
Certified by me,
A : DE Hooges, Secretary
Court proceedings, July 13 Anno 1650
Tomes Sanders, smith, residing at or about the Manhatans^
is granted permission to move hither and to settle here wath his
family in the village {byeenTvoninge). to support himself by
means of his usual trade.
Whereas the director, commissioners and councilors are
informed by way of rumor that Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck
takes the person of Jan Hagemans, free trader, and his goods
into his house, without advising any one thereof, contrary to the
instructions received by us, he is hereby notified and ordered to
abstain therefrom and to send him away, under penalty of con
fiscation of the goods in the possession of the said Jan Hagemans.

of New York, 1 :420, Kiliaen van Rensselaer died in 1 646, and the
same year the guardians of the young patroon rendered homage to the
States General in the name of their ward. According to the above
date, this must have taken place before June 30, 1 646. In an entry
in the minutes of the council of New Netherland, under date of August
8, 1644 {New York Colonial Mss, 4:199) reference is made to "the
heirs of Mr. Renselaer, deceased." This shows that, contrary to the
statements heretofore made, Kiliaen van Rensselaer died, not in 1 646,
but some time prior to August 8, 1 644, possibly as early as the fall of
1 643, when his communications to the colony ceased. Johannes van
Rensselaer was not definitely invested with the high, middle and low
jurisdiction of the colony until after April 7, 1650. See Resolution
of the States General of that date in Doc. rel. io Col. Hisi. N, Y., 1 :383.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 119
[57]^ Extraordinary session, July 15, 1650
Jan van Hoesen complains of injury done to him by Willem
Jeuriaensz, as follows:
That some days ago he called the wife of Jan van Hoesen a
whore, with the result that from excitement she had a mis-.
carriage; also, that yesterday, being the 14th of this month, he
repeated the insult, while the wife lay sick in bed.
[In the margin is written:] Annetje, Constapel's wife,^ says
that she heard Capiteyn ^ call her a whore when she lay already
sick in bed.
He, Willem Jeuriaensz, says that the neighbors told him that
he said it.
He declares that Willem Jeuriaensz told him that a while ago,
to wit, on March 31, 1650, when he was last summoned and
appeared before the court to pay for two cows which he had
received, he, Willem Jeuriaensz, had a knife concealed in his
sleeve, adding further that if the director had attempted to do
anything to him, Willem, about the said payment, or any one
had attacked him, he would have received a rip from him.
Jan van Hoesen declares that Willem Jeuriaensz has often
and repeatedly said to him and accused him of it that the contract
between them was fraudulently drawn, said contract being signed
by Willem Jeuriaensz and Jan Fransz van Hoesen and aeknowl-^
edged before B. v. Slichtenhorst, A: de Hooges, J : van Twiller,
Goossen Gerritsz and Cornelis Teunisz.
As Johan van Twiller and Gerrit Vasterick are absent, the
[case] aforesaid is adjourned until the 1 7th of July aforesaid at
the usual time.

'^At the top of the page is written: noia vani hannissement, memor
andum of the banishment.
^Annetje Juriaens, the wife of Andries Herbertsz, alias Constapel.
She was a sister of Volckje Juriaens, the wife of Jan van Hoesen.
^Willem Jeuriaensz, alias Capiteyn.

120 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[57v] Extraordinary session, July 17 Anno 1650
The honorable director requests the corporal apprehension of
Willem Jeuriaensz on account of the aforesaid crimes.
Annetje, the wife of Constapel, says that Volckje, when she
had the miscarriage, said that it was caused by excitement, due
to the abusive language of Willem Jeuriaensz.
Aertje Cornelis, the wife of Thomas Sandersz, smith, declares
as c^bove.
Willem Jeuriaensz, in contempt of the honorable court, says
that he is a person of 21 years, whereas it is known to us that he
is at least 70 years of age.
The commissioners and councilors consent to the corporal
apprehension of Willem Jeuriaensz.
Delivered to Commissioner Johan van Twiller, for the honor
able guardians of the patroon, three court records corresponding
with [and extending] up to this [record].^
Pursuant to the resolution of the commissioners and councilors
and with the consent of the honorable director this court record
is tumed over to me, Antonio de Hooges, secretary of this place,
on this date, the 1 7th of July Anno 1 650.^
[58] Extraordinary session, July 18 Anno 1650
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Willem Jeuriaensz.
Whereas Willem Jeuriaensz on account of his rascality and
misdeeds was on two separate occasions sentenced to leave the
colony and banished forever, to wit, in the year 1 644 and again

^ drie Gerechts Rollen respondeerende ioi op deese; apparently referr
ing to the court records that were kept in the colony prior to the adminis
tration of Bant van Slichtenhorst, which are missing.
^ This entry, taken in connection with the complaint made by de Hooges
against Van Slichtenhorst on April 4, 1 650, seems to indicate that
Van Slichtenhorst had refused to let de Hooges have the custody of
the record, but that at the latter's request the court directed that it be
turned over to him. The minutes, both before and after this date,
are in the handwriting of de Hooges, so that he must have had access
to the record for the purpose of making his entries.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 121
in September of the year 1647, which last time the delinquent
petitioned the court to grant him a respite, pledging himself in
said petition not to molest any one, either directly or indirectly, in
or out of court, under penalty of forfeiting his property then in
his possession or thereafter to be acquired and of being imme
diately sent out of the colony, as apears by the said petition,
upon which petition a respite was granted in an apostil entered
on the same, and whereas he has since pursued and more particu
larly now does pursue his former ways;
And whereas, secondly, he has unjustly accused many honest
persons of having fraudulently drawn up the contract between
him and Jan van Hoesen, and among others has impugned the
honor of some members of this honorable court;
And whereas, thirdly, he has boasted that when he was sum
moned by the court to pay for the purchase of two cows he had
a knife concealed in his sleeve and that if the plaintiff had laid
hands upon him he would have cut him with it;
And whereas, furthermore, when he was summoned to appear
to answer for these and other crimes, [58v] he did openly insult
the honorable court of this place, saying to several people: " I
invite you to the funeral; I am summoned before the court and
must hang;" and further committed other rascalities;
Therefore, all this being taken into consideration, the plaintiff
demands that the former sentences shall be put into effect and
that in addition the delinquent shall be publicly exhibited on the
scaffold for his crimes, to wit, that he shall be whipped and
branded and that thereafter he shall be forever banished from
the colony. Furthermore, that all his property and effects shall
be confiscated and forfeited to the benefit of the honorable plain
tiff. [59]^ The honorable commissioners and the council of the
colony of Rensselaerswyck, having read the demand of the

^Another translation of the sentence is printed in O'Callaghan, History
of New Netherland. 1 :437-38.

122 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
honorable director as plaintiff against Willem Jeuriaensz, baker,
and having duly weighed and considered all that is therein set
forth and to be considered, and finding:
That on account of his misdeeds he was before, on the 4th of
February 1644, banished from the colony by the honorable
court ;
That afterwards, because he had attempted to stab the person
of Antony de Hooges, then the patroon's comys, with a knife on
the public road and thereby, as much as in him lay, had com
mitted a murder, he was again banished from the colony on the
28th of August 1 647, but on his petition granted a respite, under
penalty of forfeiture of all property and banishment in case he
should molest any one, whether in or out of court, or cause any
annoyance deserving punishment;
And finding furthermore all that is set forth in the honorable
plaintiff's conclusion, to wit:
That he, the delinquent, has so frightened and shocked a cer
tain woman that according to her complaint she had a mis
carriage ;
Secondly, that he has unjustly accused and slandered honest
people, among them some members of the honorable court of this
place, in connection with the signing of the agreement between
him [59v] and Jan van Hoesen, saying that they had dravm it
up fraudulently;
Thirdly, that, having been called upon to pay for the purchase
of two cows, he boasted on coming home that he had a knife
concealed in his sleeve and that if he had been arrested on
account of it, he would have paid the director with it;
Furthermore, having been summoned to answer for these
enormous crimes, he has openly derided the honorable court here,
saying to several people : " I invite you to the funeral ; I am
summoned before the court; I must hang."
Furthermore, we are assured by trustworthy people that he
said to a certain woman who was about to partake of the Lord's

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 123
Supper : "If it is a piece of bread you want, come to me, I will
give it to you." And other rascalities.
So that he is a blasphemer, a public nuisance, a murderer, as
far as his intention is concerned, a person who holds the court and
justice in contempt and a disturber of the common peace. The
honorable court, aforesaid, therefore, have sentenced [60] and
adjudged, as they sentence and adjudge hereby, that the former
sentences concerning the banishment shall be carried out, so that
he, Willem Jeuriaensz is hereby banished from the district and
jurisdiction of this colony, henceforth and forever, with order to
depart by the first vessel and never to return, on pain of corporal
punishment. All cum expensis.
Thus sentenced and ratified in Collegio, this 1 8th day of July
Anno 1650. To my knowledge, A. DE Hooges, Secretary
The honorable commissioners and councilors decide that Hans
Vos shall be paid by the director according to his account.
The honorable Goossen Gerritsz, in accordance with the
previous promise, is by unanimous vote granted permission to
engage in the tapping business.
This date, skipper Reynert Pietersz from Bolswaert was in
the presence of A. de Hooges called upon . . . [two lines
burned off] .
[60v] Court proceedings, July 27 Anno 1650
Resolved that Willem Jeuriaensz shall in irons be brought on
board the yacht of Rutger Jacobsz and then be unshackled, Rut
ger Jacobsz having promised to make room for him on his yacht
[and to take him] to the Manhatans.
The court of the colony of Rensselaerswyck are of opinion
that Michiel Jansz with such an answer as he made on April 4,
1 650, has not satisfied the judgment of May 29, 1 649, and the
order of Novemiber 1 8 of the same year.

124 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
The aforesaid Michiel Jansz or his sureties are therefore once
more peremptorily ordered, under penalty of having judgment
given against them by default, to file an answer within two months
from this date, and to support it with proper proof, and also to
sign the two accounts which have been handed in.
The honorable director promises Gysbert Cornelisz ^ to reduce
his rent for two years to forty guilders on account of board of
Johan van Twiller, provided that Johan van Twiller becomes
surety that he will settle for it with the patroon.
[In the margin is written:] The director protests that he does
not promise Gysbert to credit him with two years' rent [from?]
this date, July 28, Anno 1650; also, that he demands proof of
the charges for board.
Jan Helms is to accept the grain of Jan van Bremen on the
following conditions:
He is to receive the wHinter grain according to appraisal, in
connection with which it is to be noted that he, Jan Helms, shall
be free from paying tithes.
And Jan van Bremen shall pay the rent out of the winter grain
and the quantity credited to him by appraisal, the amount to be
delivered to Jan Helms to be reduced in proportion to the rent.
[Marginal note:] This date, August 5, 1650, the wheat of
Jan van Bremen was appraised by Aert Jacobsz and Ryck
Rutgersz, lawfully summoned for that purpose by the director,
at five [hundred schepels?].
[61 ] Adriaen Jansz from Leyden is granted permission to col
lect and receive his debts outstanding in the colony.
Extraordinary session, July 28 Anno 1650
[Blank space]

^Gysbert Cornelisz, the tavemkeeper.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 125
Court proceedings, August 4 Anno 1650
Willem Jeuriaensz requests to be released from confinement
to tend to his affairs, on condition that he will comply with the
last sentence. Granted. Witness my hand,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
Extract from a certain document
The son-in-law of Megapolensis, who has been a minister here
and who was forbidden to preach by the Classis of Alcmaer,
goes over with the same ship. ' In case he should attempt to per
form any church service in the colony, we order Director Slich
tenhorst not to employ him thereto or to tolerate him in the
colony, about which we shall write him personally if time will
permit it. And w'hereas we have been requested by the Deputies
of the Classis of Amsterdam to make this known here, we hereby
order the director and commissioners of our colony to carry out
our instructions in this matter.
The name of the minister is Wilhelm [Grasmeer].
This order was contained in a letter to [Gerrit] Vasterick,
sent to him by Wouter van Twiller.
[61 v] Special meeting,^ August 15 Anno 1650
We, the undersigned, attest and declare that we have seen and
read a certain rough note {kladde) written by Gerrit Vasterick,
purporting to be an extract from a letter concerning the minister,
Grasmeer, to prevent him from preaching. Which copy, being
neither collated with the original, nor authenticated or signed by
any one, was unsatisfactory to Director B. v. Slichtenhorst, who
said that one could take no action on such a scrap of paper.
Whereupon the director, together with de Hooges and Ruth
Jacdbsz, went to the said Vasterick's house, where the director

^ Buyientydtsche vergaederinge.

126 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
asked if it was not possible to get an authentic copy? Said
Vasterick answered that he had given a copy. The director
replied that it was not authentic and was not signed. Where
upon Vasterick made Jan van Twiller (for he, himself, lay sick
in bed owing to some accident) get the letter.. Having the letter
in his hands, Vasterick demanded his former copy, which was
handed to him without any suspicion, the plan being that de
Hooges should make an extract from the letter for so far as the
aforesaid matter was concerned. But Vasterick declined this
and read some things from the letter, which de Hooges took
down from his mouth. Having obtained this writing, we saw
that we had been deceived by Vasterick's trick in demanding
back his former copy, for it in no sense corresponded therewith.
This much Vasterick let us see, that the letter was signed by
Wouter van Twiller only and addressed to Vasterick alone.
This is a true account of what took place and we offer if need
be to confirm this on oath. Done in the colony of Rensselaers
wyck, on the date above written.
B. V. Slichtenhorst, director of the said colony
A. DE Hooges, commissioner and secretary of the said colony
Rutger Jacobsz
[62] Hereupon their honors aforesaid and the other members
of the court have resolved and decided as follows :
Whereas Vasterick, according to the foregoing attestation, is
found guilty of fraudulency in writing, so that one does not know
which copy is correct, or whether either of the two is to be
accepted, as neither is properly copied, or compared (for one can
read to another anything one pleases), much less authenticated;
And whereas, secondly, it is notorious that the disease which
Vasterick has at present is of such a nature that he ought not to
carry it from a whorehouse into a court of justice, this being a
place for which such persons are unfit ;
Therefore, their honors aforesaid, having noticed this, have
firmly resolved not to allow him to sit on the bench until he has

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 127
purged and cleared himself of the aforesaid charges and assured
and convinced us of the contrary.
By order of their honors aforesaid,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
[62v] Special meeting, August 20 Anno 1 650
Whereas the case of Claes Gerritsz was to come up this day,
we have decided and thought it advisable to leave the differences
between the honorable director and him to the decision and award
of two impartial men to be appointed for that purpose, provided
that the wages which are still due him, to wit, those which he
earned in the employ of Brant Peelen, deceased, and Broer Cor
nelis, and on the Vlackte, shall remain as a pledge or security for
the award to be rendered by the aforementioned persons.
Meeting of the inhabitants regarding the rumors of war
concerning the Maquas, held on the 21st of September
1650
Information, as to what took place on the 2 1 st of September
1650: ^
Rem Jansz, residing in Fort Orange, declares that on the 20th
of September 1 650, it happened that a certain Tapaen savage,
at the house of Arent Andriesz, unasked and unexpectedly said
to him: "You Dutchmen have now been selling guns long
enough to the Maquas, for they came to us last summer and made
presents in order that we should help them to kill you when the
ice was on the water. They also went to the savages to the south
and offered them a large nootas of seawan, whereupon they
promised to lend them the helping hand."
Jacob Jansz Stol declares that the savage [63] said the same
thing to him.
Albert Andriesz declares likewise and they say that when
they asked him earnestly whether it was true, he said: " Come

128 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
and take me and bind me fast and if it does not happen within
the aforesaid time, then cut off my head." ^
That this happened as above stated they declare here
before the court in the presence of several inhabitants.
Witness my hand,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
September 8, 1 650.
^Miereas the need teaches us to adopt measures, we have
granted permission to have the patroon's cannon, consisting of
three pieces, to wit, a six-pounder, a five pounder and a three-
pounder, used until further order in Fort Orange. But in order
that the palroon may not be deprived of his property, the under
signed persons acknowledge that they have borrowed the afore
said pieces on condition that the patroon or his agent may have
them back whenever he needs them or it may suit his pleasure.
Jan Labatie
This is the mark X of PlETER JacobsZ,
set with his own hand
[63v] September 23 Anno 1650
The insecurity of our lives and property oppresses us contin
ually, living as we do under the unrestrained domination of in
human people and cruel heathen. And while, indeed, we had
some intimation of this last year, it shows itself particularly at
present through evident indications and plausible predictions and
earnest warnings which are communicated to us, not by the afore
said parties, but by far distant Indians. Which being the case,
although some think it advisable to have recourse to arms and
resistance, and to exchange our weak position for that of their
superior strength, their honors, the directors, commissioners and
councilors, reaHzing the need, have resolved and determined, for

^soo snijt mij de hals af. Cf. O'Callaghan, History of New Nether
land, 2:162.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 129
the welfare of the colony of our lord patroon, the preservation of
the commonwealth and the protection of our wives and children,
to commission and empower Mons'- Arent van Curler, Gerrit
Wencom, Cornelis Teunisz van Breuckelen, Thomas Chamber
and Volckert Hansz, being requested thereto, to repair with a
present to the Maquas country, to renew the former alliance and
bond of friendship ; which they hereby willingly undertake to do.
Done in the colony, on the date above written.
Quod attestor. A. DE Hooges, Secretary ^
[64] The same date, we summoned Jan Labatie, inhabitant of
Fort Orange, to come to the house of the director and requested
him, as he is reasonably experienced in the use of the Maquas
language, to consent to be likewise employed as an ambassador
to the Maquas country, whereupon he replied that he would not
do that for anything in the world. He was asked again why, and
whether it was not better to emibrace peace than to begin a war in
which we could not possibly survive? Labatie answered that it
mattered little to those in the fort how it went, whether it was war
or peace. ^ Whereupon he left.
[64v] Special meeting about the welfare of the colony in con
nection with the rumors of war with the Maquas,
September 27 Anno 1 650
Before the meeting proceeded to business, the following took
place :
It has happened that the abuses of which public notice was
given last Sunday in accordance with the ordinance were brought
to our attention by the inhabitants here themselves. But as the
work once commenced ought to attain its final aim and object, it
has occurred to us that it is very necessary that the running into

^ Another translation of this resolution is in O'Callaghan, History
of New Netherland, 2 : 1 62-63.
2 In the margin is written: "Noia bene."

130 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
the woods, the delivering of notes and the sending of brokers (a
source of much mischief, quarreling and discord) be stopped.
And as this can not be done properly and decently 'without the
consent of the inhabitants of Fort Orange, they have therefore,
in confirmation of their good intention and inclination, for so far
as they are concerned, signed these with their own hands.
[The remainder of the page is blank.]
[65] Extraordinary session, September 30 Anno 1650
On the above date, Jacob Waelingen was offered and tendered
by the court the half of Casteels island, called Welys Burch,^
heretofore used by Adriaen vander Donck, which offer Jacob
Waelingen has declined and refused to accept.
Extraordinary session, primo October Anno 1 650
Jacob Waelingen, after previous delay, insisting urgentiy that
he be permitted to transport himself with his wife and children to
the Manhatans to seek their advantage there, as they until now
have not well been able to support themselves here, and it being
evident that they can not be detained against their will, we have
thought it to the best interest of the patroon to release him from
all claims and demands and consequently have granted them per
mission to leave the colony and to seek their advantage wherever
they please.
[65v] The 2d of October, Anno 1650, in the afternoon, the
ambassadors left. The director and Antony de Hooges at that
time called them aside and urged them not to attempt or to do
anything but what would tend to the benefit and welfare of the
patroon and his colony, the peace of the inhabitants and the pro
motion of the common weal, which by handshake they promised
to do.

^ There were two farms on Castle island, one called Rensselaers Burg,
and the other Welys Burg. See " Map of the colony of Rensselaerswyck,
about 1632," in Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss.

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 131
After delivery of the letter from the honorable gentlemen our
superiors, the lord patroon Johan van Rensselaer and the
co-directors Samuel Bloemaert and Johannes de Laet, this
[record] was begun anew. The letter was received November
19, 1650. November 24, 1650
Jan Verbeeck, plaintiff, against Jan Dircksz, Englishman,^
defendant. It is adjudged that the defendant shall pay Jan Verbeeck the
balance of his debt cash.
The director, plaintiff, against
Christoffel Davits
Jacob Lambertsz 1- Default [for failing to appear in] court
Abraham Stevens
[66] Abraham Stevensz is ordered to produce witnesses by
December 8, 1650, that he did not draw a knife on Jan
Carstensz. Extraordinary session, Novemiber 28 Anno 1650
The honorable director and commissioners [of the colony] and
the commissary of Fort Orange, Charles van Bruggen, having
under pressure granted permission to a certain savage named
den UyV to erect a small house to the north of the aforesaid fort,
which tended to become a great nuisance to the colony as well as
to the fort, Mons'- Labatie, to do away with [the source of]
former troubles, has this day bought said little house of him
and paid for it, to which consent is given by us on condition that
a proper recognition to the honorable patroon and the co-directors

^According to Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 818, he came from
Amersfoort. See also note on Jan Dircksz van Bremen, under date of
April 30, 1648, in this volume.
^The Owl.

132 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of this colony be paid to the director. In witness whereof this is
subscribed as follows:
The mark X of den Uyl, named Stichtigeri, made with
his own hand
B. V. Slichtenhorst
A. de Hooges
Adriaen Jansz,' witness
[66v] December 13 Anno 1650
Steven Jansz, carpenter, upon examination by the director,
declares that on the 12rii of this month a certain company of
persons came to his house to drink, having played golf for brandy,
which they drank there. And that one Teunis Jansz, sailmaker,
accused the wife of said Steven Jansz of ha-ving erased two
strokes at the same time, although she had tapped two glasses for
it. Whereupon one Philip, the gunstock maker, ^ also took part
in the dispute, wanting to have a voice in it.^ So that Gysbert
Cornelisz, the tavemkeeper, got into a dispute with said Philip,
saying among other things that they should not make such charges
without being able to prove them, with the result that he, Gys
bert, received a wound in his left breast, but does not know how
it happened or who did it, as tliree or four persons were wrestling
together. [67] On the date aforesaid the honorable director attached
the money in the hands of Jeuriaen Bestval which is due to
Jochem Kettelheym, on account of a claim which the director

'' Probably Adriaen Jansz van Ilpendam, then a schoolmaster and
afterwards a notary public. See p. [96] .
^Philip de Lademaecker. On page [70v] he is referred to as Philip
Pietersz Laedemaecker, which would seem to identify him with Philip
Pietersz Schuyler.
" A marginal note, to be inserted at this point, reads as follows : Which
made the wife of Steven Jansz very angry, whereupon Philip said:
"Have your husband come! " So that Steven Jansz, after some
words, struck said Philip with his fist on the forehead, whereupon they
clinched.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 133
has against said Jochem, for which Jochem is summoned to
appear on Thursday after New Year. [Note in the margin:]
1 st Default. December 20 Anno 1650
Jacob Adriaensz and Claes Andriesz being categorically
questioned by the director in regard to the fight which recently
took place at the house of Steven Jansz, carpenter, answer as
follows :
Claes Andriesz says that after Steven Jansz and Philip, the
gunstock maker, had struck each other with their fists, Philip,
going out of the door, challenged Gysbert, whereupon those who
were inside held Gysbert fast, so that Philip came back into the
house and got into a quarrel with Gysbert.
This, Jacob says also. And that in this turmoil Gysbert was
wounded, that is to say, Philip knocked Gysbert down and when
Gysbert got up again, he was wounded.
[67v] The aforesaid deponents declare that otherwise there
was no trouble or dispute, except first between Steven Jansz
and Philip and then between Philip and Gysbert.
Which, by handshake and true words,
instead of an oath, they have declared
to the director to have thus taken place.
The 27th day of December Anno 1 650
The honorable director has this day arrested Philip, the gun-
stock maker, [to remain within the limits of] the colony under
penalty of three hundred guilders, and appointed a week from
next Thursday as the day on which he is to appear in court.
The same day, Philip has in the presence of Jacob Jansz Stol
requested permission to go outside the [said limits of the ] arrest
into the fort, to which consent is given on condition that he
promise to appear in person on the appointed day and to give
security for the satisfaction of the judgment and the costs, [68]
which being promised by him, permission is granted said Philip.

134 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
On the date aforesaid the honorable director has in like man
ner once more arrested Jacob Jansz Stol in the colony, in the
first place to fulfil the contract between the late patroon and his
predecessor, Hendrick Albertsz, deceased, and furthermore to
answer for all his crimes committed to this day, and also
appointed the 5th of January Anno 1650 as the day on which
he is to appear in court, but notwithstanding the arrest he has
without giving bail gone outside the jurisdiction of the colony
into the fort, in contempt of the liberties ' obtamed.
Aert Jacobsz was summoned on December 14, 1650, to
appear on January 5, Anno 1 65 1 , on account of his dispute with
Jan Helms.
Abraham Stevens Croaet, on December 15 th, summoned for
the second time to appear on the above court day.
Christoffel Davits summoned for the second time to appear on
the above court day.
Cornelis Cornelisz van Voorhout summoned to appear on the
above court day.
December 22, Gysbert Cornelisz from Weesp is granted the
garden heretofore used by Carsten Carstensz at one beaver
yearly, on condition that [68v] whenever the honorable masters
need it, he will have to give it up, subject to reimbursement for
his outlay.
1 January 1651 Seger Cornelisz, Peter, the Frenchman, and
Jan Tyssen summoned to appear on the 5th of
this month, at nine o'clock.
2 ditto Egbert Sanders's servant, Jem;^ Toenis Cor
nelisz. On the 3d, Henrick Driesz, Mr Rut
ger Jacobsz' servant.
3 ditto Jan Helmsz summoned in writing, in the name
of the patroon, against Aert Jacobsz.

^ Vryheeden; meaning the liberties or privileges, granted by the charter
of Freedoms and Exemptions, of 1 629.
^ James.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 135
3 ditto Jan Baerentsz, by legal process, attached in
the hands of Jan Reyersz and Ricke[r]t
Rutgersz at Betelem [Bethlehem], all the
moneys due from them to Claes Andriesz,
[notifying them] again to pay, which notice
was received by Jan Reyersz.
Sept. 9, 1650 g y SHchtenhorst, director, plaintiff, against
summoned. Jacob Jausz Stol, defendant.
First default. [Plaintiff demands] whether he, Stol, is willing
to carry out all the provisions of the contract dated
Jan. 5 1651 j^jjg 7^ 1^42, of his predecessor, Hendrick
Seconddefault. Albertsz, deceased, and [continued] after his
death, and if so, to give security for the satisfaction
of the judgment. '^
Jacob Jansz says that he submits himself to the
arbitral judgment of impartial men and the director.
1 648, May 30 For having struck Hans Vos, when he
suspected no harm, on the forehead with his fist
and in addition spoken evil of the director afore
mentioned. For the defamation  fl. 10: -
And for the blow with the fist,
according to the ordinance dated
December 7, 1649, also  fl. 10: -
All cum expensis.
[69] 1648, June 6, Jacob Jansz fought against Andries
Constapel with his fists, at the house of Gysbert
Comelisz, tavemkeeper, for which he forfeits
fl. 10:-
1648, July 6, Jacob Jansz, on his own authority, cut
down two logs {masts), up above, in the
patroon's wood, and had them hauled to the
strand, where they were attached, notwithstand
ing which he shipped them on the 8th ditto out

^ Stol succeeded Harry Albertsz as ferry master.

136 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of this jurisdiction, thereby acting in utter con
tempt of the court.
The honorable plaintiff, therefore, demands
that he be arbitrarily punished, as an example to
others. Also, that he pay the patroon for the
timber and for violating the attachment, fl. 50,
according to the ordinance and custom of the
Manhatans, all cum expensis.
1648, December 27, Jacob Jansz was fined for having
with some other persons been drinking at the house
of Gysbert Cornelisz during divine service.
1649, June 2, Jacob Jansz, without cause, threw a
tankard at Hans Vos, the court messenger,
smashing his face, so that for two months he
could not perform his duties, for which according
to the ordinance of the Manhatans he has for
feited the sum of fl. 300, all cum expensis.
[69v] 1649, August 4, Jacob Jansz again removed a log
(masO, for which he forfeits the amount above
stated.
1 649, 1 1 ditto, he struck Willem Jeuriaensz on his back
with a tankard, at the house of Gysbert Cornelisz,
for which he forfeits fl. 1 0.
And because AbreJiam Pietersz, carpenter,
wanted to prevent it, he struck him on the head,
for which is due  fl. 10:
1650, September 29, he fought with Pieter Hertgerts
and struck de Hooges on the left eye with his fist,
and greatly injured the thumb of Volckert Hansz
in his own house, all of which took place in the
presence of the honorable fiscal, for which he has
incurred the double penalty.
And for contempt of court, in ignoring the
attachment and summons, the same fine as above.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 137
1650, December 12, he struck Gysbert Cornelisz,
tavemkeeper, and Claes Andriesz with a golf
club at the house of Steven Jansz, for which,
together, he forfeits  fl. 20:-
And whereas the aforesaid Jacob Jansz was
summoned and arrested in the colony and in
violation thereof has gone outside the limits of
the aforesaid jurisdiction, without giving bail,
the honorable plaintiff maintains that he has for
feited the sum of fl. 20 [and demands] that he
give security for the satisfaction of the judgment
or sentence.
[70] Court proceedings, January 5 Anno 1651
It being taken into consideration that Mons'. Arent van Curler
as far back as the arrival of the honorable director was nominated
as commissioner {gecommitteerde) , but by serious obstacles has
until this date been prevented from taking office,^ be has on this
highly pressing occasion accepted the same and consequently
taken the proper oath before the honorable director.
Whereas the annual term [of office] of Goossen Gerritsz has
expired and he for some important reasons urgently requests to
be discharged, we have, recognizing [the justice of] the same,
granted his request and discharged him, thanking him hereby for
his faithful service.
And in his place are nominated Jan Verbeeck and Pieter
Hertgers. Regarding the question at issue between Aert Jacobsz and Jan
Helms, it is adjudged that each shall pay a fine of seventy-five
guilders, cum expensis.
[70v] Philip Pietersz, gunstock maker, requests delay until
the next court day, which is granted him on condition that he give
security for the satisfaction of the judgment.

^ maer door merckelycke impedimenten iot daio te rugge is gesieli.

138 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Jan Labatie offers himself as surety for the judgment.
Whereas the annual ordinance concerning the shooting at night
mentions in general, but not in particular, the shooting on New
Year's eve;
And whereas, secondly, the renewal of the said ordinances has
recently been neglected;
It is decided that the New Year shooters shall for this time
be excused, without prejudice to the director's action against
those who fired during the service.
Decision rendered by:
Arent van Curler
Antony de Hooges
Rutger Jacobsz
Goossen Gerritsz
The honorable director appeals from the above decision.
Cornelis Comelisz van Voorhout summoned by the director.
First default.
Abraham Stevens denies that he drew his knife on Jan
Carstensz, but admits that he fought with him.
Teunis Cornelisz denies that he fired his gun at New Year
during the night.
[71] [Marginal note in the handwriting of van Slichten
horst:] 9 ditto, Jochem Kettelheym summoned again to appear
on the 12th. January 10, 1651
Hans Vos complains that Dirck de Gojer ^ has threatened to
assault him at Catskil and that he understood from said Dirck
that he had given orders to Claes Andriesz and Jacob Lambertsz,
Gofers,^ some time when they saw him here in the colony, to do
the same.

^ Dirck Hendricksz, from Hilversum, in the Gooi.
^ The s^ame as Gooiers, or Gooilanders, meaning men from the Gooi,
or Gooiland, a district in the southeastern part of the province of North
Holland, Netherlands.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 139
Whereupon an injunction is served on said Dirck to refrain, on
pain of corporal punishment, from molesting Hans Vos either by
word or deed.
And Jan Dircksz van Bremen is authorized to serve the notice
on said Dirck in the name of the patroon.
Furthermore, the director is to forbid Claes Andriesz and
Jacob Lambertsz [to molest Hans Vos] under the penalty above
mentioned. [71v] Court proceedings, January 12 Anno 1650
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Jochem Kettelheym,
defendant.
Jochem 1648, July 12, Jochem Kettelheym and Thomas
Chamber three several times struck each other with
fists, so that their noses and mouths bled, and that on
a Sunday, in sight of the director, for which they have
incurred the triple penalty of fl. 10 each, according
to the ordinance of May 28, 1 648, amounting together
to  fl. 30:-
December 27, Jochem confessed that during divine
service he had been sitting [in the tavern] , drinking
brandy with Flodder,^ the Noorman,^ Capitayn,^. and
Rem, the smith,* for which according to the ordinance
of May 28, 1648, and that of the Manhatans, is
due  fl. 6:-
Jochem 1 550, July 3 1 , Jochem promised to pay for solder
Pietersz ^ 4 schepels of wheat  fl. 10:—
December 13, the director attached, in the hands of
Jeuriaen Bestval, all the moneys due from him to said
Jochem, in order to secure payment; in the first place
fl. 40, which he, Jochem, then owed to Nocolaes

^ Jacob Jansz Gardenier, alias Flodder.
^ Poulus, the Noorman.
^Abraham Stevensz.
^ Rem Jansz.
^Apparently the same person as Arent Pietersz, alias Solder. See
Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss, p. 814.

140 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Jochem Koorn and which were attached in his hands, accord-
agrees to . , , , 1 • • ]_ J
submit 'ng to Koorn s own admission, as appears by de
evidence Hooges's endorsement on file. What is more, Coorn
thTt' hT^ aid several times importuned the director, both in his house
Koorn. and on the road, about this attachment. ... fl. 40:-
l 65 1 , January 9, summoned and must first purge
himself before he can be heard.
[72] The honorable director, plaintiff, against
Cornelis Cornelisz van Voorhout, defendant.
1649, June 20, tbe defendant fought with the
Raemaecker (wheelwright) with fists, in the presence
of Hans Vos and others at the house of Gysbert, the
tavemkeeper, for which each has forfeited the sum
of  fl. 10:-
Drew his knife on Christoffel Davits, for which he
has forfeited  fl. 100:-
April 1 7, Jan van Bremen complained about the
defendant on account of violence and blows, for which
is due a double fine, first on account of the matter com
plained of and secondly because it happened at night,
@ fl. 10  fl. 40:-
November > 7, he fought with Thomas Chamber,
using his fists ; due  fl. 10:-
Admits that 1650, September 30, the defendant, wihtout any
it took place 1 r i i t t i • • i i
in Gysbert's '"^ason or lawtul cause, struck J an Labatie m the lava-
house, tory of Gysbert Cornelisz with his fists, for which he
must pay the double fine  fl. 20 :-
1 65 1 , January 5. Kit Davits summoned.
January 10. Summoned [again].
January 11, 1 65 1 , the director has notified and summoned the
newly nominated members of the court, to wit, Pieter Hertgers
and Jan Verbeeck, to take the proper oath and on this date in
their official capacity to enter upon their duties.
Baerent Pietersz, having been summoned by the director on
January 11,1 649, to show where he each year bought his wheat.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 141
answers that he requests an order from the court that he must do
so. To which the director replies that if he to-day brings in his
proof, he will not have [his account?] reduced.
[72v] Cornelis Cornelisz Vos, being summoned to find out
who on New Year's eve during the service fired off guns in front
of his door, answers that he does not know. Being asked who
were at Harmen Bastiaensz's, he answers, seven or eight persons.
This day, Jan Verbeeck has taken the proper oath as a mem
ber of the court {gerechlspersoon) and is admitted by the court.
Marten Harmensz having been granted a lot in the village
{byeenTVooninge) to build there, promises that he will not have
any intercourse or dealings with any private traders, namely, with
those of the fort.
Teunis Jacobsz and his wife, being summoned by the director
about 1 1/8 loot (5/8 ounce) of gold found by them, declare
that they found it behind the homestead {hofste) of Gysbert, the
tavemkeeper, and sold it to Gerrit Vasterick for fl. 1 8, without
knowing who lost it.
Which gold being examined by the court here is found to be
purified and partly engraved gold.
The director having thereupon submitted the question whether
it is to be kept for the benefit of the patroon and the co-directors,
or to be restored to Vasterick;
It is resolved that it shall be returned to Gerrit Vasterick.
[73] It is further considered necessary, as thus far little atten
tion has been paid to the maintenance of public roads, to the great
inconvenience and even danger of the inhabitants here, that some
bridges be built, to wit, one across the first kill, in the village
{byeenTVooninge) , with railings and benches to sit on; one across
the third kill; one across the beaver kill, with railings; and a
wagon bridge around the rear (een ryhruch achterom). Also,
that a convenient staircase be built on the outside of the church
(een bequaeme trap aende k'^rck Tvorde gemaeckt).'
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Jacob Lambertsz,
defendant.

142 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
On the 9th of October 1 650, Jacob Lambertsz, being armed,
with a sword on his side, dared by word and deed, on the
Hoogen Berch, in the highest manner to insult the director, who
came there wath Steven Jansz, carpenter, to perform his duties,
without giving any reason or occasion thereto in the least. In
the presence of Teunis Dircksz and Gys¬bert aende Berch, he
wanted to compel the director, first, to drink with him and then
to fight a duel with him. Furthermore, he used such vile
language about the court, his past crimes, and his arrest, that one
can not well put it down with the pen, saying he would [73v]
wipe his Gooiland . . . with it and that he had enough of
the director and all the gentlemen, so that finally Teunis Dircksz
and Gysbert had to take Jacob away.
He has likewise insulted de Hooges and also Hans Vos.
Which things in a land of justice can not go unpunished, it
being intolerable that one should thus, without any reason what
ever, rudely assail one's lawful superiors and their servants and
even threaten to do them harm, where (as in the case of the
delinquent) the court has shown such leniency in imposing
sentence. The honorable plaintiff, therefore, in the first place requests
[a warrant for the] corporal apprehension [of the defendant].
Teunis Dircksz, Gysbert aende Berch and Tys Evertsz
declare that Jacob Lambertsz carried a sword on his side and
that on coming dowm the hill he said to the director : " You
carry a sword? I do too. If you are an officer, I am one also."
That meanwhile they had together drawTi out the manure for
Gysbert and that for fun they had made said Jacob out to be
the officer. Which by handshake instead of an oath they
declare to have thus taken place.
[Here follow two or three lines which have become illegible.]
[74] About midsummer anno 1649, the honorable general
being here, he requested Jan Baerentsz to haul out some logs
{masts), which he refused, saying that the horses and the land

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 143
which he had in use belonged to the patroon, so that he first
ought to have consent thereto. Whereupon the honorable
general came to the director and after relating the aforesaid con
versation requested that permission might be given, whereupon
consent was given by the director.
Also, Jan Labatie, having been written to by the honorable
general to send him a certain negro residing at the house of Broer
Cornelis, he came to the director's house to request in the first
place permission to apprehend the aforesaid negro and in the
second place that the director would assist him, Labatie, in
making the arrest, whereupon the director gave said Labatie
permission and lent him the helping hand in making the arrest.
[74v] Steven Jansz, carpenter, being asked by the director
whether at any time he received any beer from said director to
retail it;
Secondly, whether he ever asked and received permission from
the director to tap;
Answers, that he never received any beer from the director
and he tapped without previous consent.
Steven Jansz has declared this by
handshake, with true words, instead
of an oath, to be as stated.
This 1 8th day of January Anno 1 65 1 .
[75] Court proceedings January 19 Anno 1651
This day Pieter Hartgerts has taken the oath of member of the
court {Gerechts persoon) before the director and is admitted as
such. Upon the request of Andries de Vos what the director has to
say against his brother-in-law, Baerent Pietersz, the director
answers that he sent 93 1/2 schepels of wheat to the mill and
that he got back but 74 schepels.
The director says that he deserves more credence than a thief.
Whereupon Andries de Vos says : " You may be that your
self."

144 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Andries de Vos says with reference to Ruth Jacobsz and Jan
Verbeeck . . , [the remainder of the page is blank] .
[75v] Extraordinary session, January 20 Anno 1651
November 25, 1648, Thomas Chamber reported that one of
his cows had been shot dead in the wood by the savages.
Also, November 14, 1649, Thomas aforesaid again reported
that a mare was shot dead by the savages.
Proof hereof follows, according to the contract:
Jan Andriesz from Dublin and Thomas Heggens declare
before the court that they found the cow that was killed in the
woods, the horns being cut off, the bowels removed, the fat cut
away, a piece cut out of the belly and the rest being left lying
in the woods, about which complaint was made at the time by
Thomas Chamber to the director.
They declare this by handshake, with true
words instead of an oath, to be a fact.
Jan Andriesz from Dublin and Poulus Jansz from Gorcum
declare that they found the aforesaid mare lying dead in the
woods, having been shot through the soft part of the belly.
This the witnesses declare in the manner as
above, in the presence of.
The honorable director
Arent van Curler
and myself,
A. DE [Hooges, Secretary]
[Note in the margin, at the bottom of the page, illegible.]
[76] Whereas some dispute has arisen between Director
Brant van Slichtenhorst and Jacob Jansz Stol about the contract
made between the late patroon and Hendrick Albertsz, deceased,
concerning the beaver trade mentioned in said contract, and find
ing that he, Jacob Jansz, can have no knowledge of the aforesaid
trade of his predecessor ;

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 145
Secondly, that it is commonly known that he, Hendrick
Albertsz, deceased, made it his special business to work and not
to trade;
And that, owing to the aforesaid obscurity, no solution can
be found except by submitting the question to the decision of
impartial men, the following persons have been chosen thereto by
both sides, to wit : Mons"'. Arent van Curler, Antony de Hooges,
Mr Abraham Staas and Evert Pels; who, after careful con
sideration of everything, have decided that for the aforesaid trade
until the death of the aforesaid predecesor, including the trade of
the said Jacob Jansz for the period of about eight months in the
year 1648, there is due fl. 36:- wherewith all claims and
demands on account of the aforesaid contract shall be settled and
released. Thus signed by us, the aforementioned arbitrators, this 20th
day of January Anno 1 65 1 .
Antony de Hooges
Arent van Curler
Abram Staas
Evert Pels
[76v] Court proceedings, January 26 Anno 1651
It is decided that Thomas Chamber by virtue of his contract
shall have the right to use the pasturage specified therein for the
grazing of his own cattle, without charge.
As, also in accordance with the contract, he proved on
January 20, 1 65 1 , that the savages killed a horse and a cow, he
is by virtue thereof entitled to have them replaced by others with
out compensation. Court proceedings, February 2 Anno 1 65 1
Teunis The honorable director, plaintiff, against Teunis
Ducksz £)|y^]^g^ ^jjjj Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck, in their
default, capacity as administrators of the estate of the late
Cornelis Maesz, defendants.

146 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
First The same, against Teunis Dircksz in particular, about
insults offered to the honorable director.
[77] Whereas a question has arisen between the
honorable director. Brant van Slichtenhorst, and Baerent
Pietersz, the cases of both parties are dismissed, without
prejudice to the good name and reputation of either.
Thus done in collegio, on the date above written.
_. Jacob Lambertsz, defendant.
default. [The rest of the page is blank.]
[77v] Brant van Slichtenhorst, director of the colony of Rens
selaerswyck, plaintiff, against Teunis Dircksz, defendant.
Whereas by virtue of their oath and the orders of the honor
able patroon the gentlemen [of the court] of the aforesaid colony
are required and commanded to see to it that all the farmers
each year, in accordance with their contract, render an itemized
account and statement [of everything] , inclusive even of the fur
trade, and make payment, and this not in gross, but in detail,
the said defendant has thus far failed to do so, notwithstanding
the aforesaid gentlemen, as often as twace a year, by public
ordinance (in addition to many verbal reminders by the said
plaintiff) have given abundant warning that every one must
within certain days deliver an account in writing with the
vouchers thereof to the director aforesaid and that no one may
transport out of the colony, or even remove from one place to
another, any grain, boards, or other effects until and before the
honorable patroon or his director are satisfied, on pain of con
fiscation of the grain and effects as provided by said ordinance
and of paying in addition a fine of fl. 25 for each default.
This does especially apply to those who have an open account,
like this defendant, who is bound to render an account of
the years 1638 and 1639, as well as of the building
done by him and the farm implements and grain which he
received as former farm hand of the honorable patroon. Also,
as farmer, from the yeaj; 1 640 to 1 648, with the fl. 1 6 for each

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 147
farm hand. Furthermore, for the years 1649 and 1650, accord
ing to the agreement of March 1 7, 1 650, of the patroon's common
property, which the defendant leased at a public bidding for
fl. 500 a year, in addition to the tithes and recognition, according
to the conditions of September 14, 1648. Furthermore, the
defendant, in the year 1648, promised to pay for tithes 28
schepels of wheat and 28 schepels of oats and in the years 1 649
and 1 650 the defendant managed on his own authority, without
the knowledge of the director, much less of the commissioners,
to appropriate the lord's tithes, and to keep to himself all the
rent, tithes and the patroon's common property and disposes
thereof as if they were his own, contrary to the patroon's
prohibition, as appears on folio 50 of the court record, and only
seeks his own profit and tries to cheat the patroon out of his law
ful property [78] and possessions. And even dares bodly and
without shame, in the presence of the director and Domine Mega
polensis, to assert that he paid fl. 9000, in return for which he,
the defendant, received but fl. 2000, as was done even lately, on
May 8, 1650. Which, indeed, is putting it on altogether too
thick and quite incredible.
Furthermore, apart from the aforesaid ordinances, the honor
able plaintiff, in the name of the patroon, attached in the year
1649 the defendant's grain, both threshed and unthreshed, for
bidding the same to be removed, much less to be transported out
of the colony before the defendant had rendered his lawful
accounting and statement as aforesaid. Notwithstanding this,
contrary to and in spite of all this, the defendant has carted the
grain past the director's door and last year furnished two lasts
of wheat to Hendrick, the baker, and others. Also, on April 2 1 ,
1650, he caused skipper Jan de Kaeper to take 401 schepels of
oats and in the fall, on November 14, 160 schepels of oats to
the Manhatans, and further on his own authority alienated all
his grain.
And when the director by proper judicial proceedings tries to
prevent it, he, the defendant, calls said director a thief and a

148 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
rescal and, if the plaintiff had not prevented it, would, on
February 16, 1650, in the moming, at about 9 o'clock, as the
director was busy writing in his own office, have stabbed him
with his own pen knife in the presence of his own son and the
director's two [grand] children.^ Which aforesaid deeds, neither
can nor ought to be suffered to go unpunished. Therefore, as
the defendant has not only defied the director and this honorable
court and violated their ordinances as well as the Freedoms law
fully obtained by the honorable patroon from their High Might
inesses, but also gravely offended the Lords States General whose
place is likewise occupied here, the honorable plaintiff, in view of
all these circumstances, demands:
In the first place, that the defendant shall within a specified
time be peremptorily ordered to render his lawful account, [ 78v]
under penalty of judgment by default and such damages (and
he would not have it happen again for ten thousand guilders) as
the plaintiff in his capacity shall reckon to have suffered, with
costs, and without prejudice to the former fines.
Secondly, that all the grain delivered, sent away, removed or
shipped by the defendant during the years 1 648, 1 649 and 1 650
shall be confiscated by virtue of the aforesaid ordinance. And
furthermore that the defendant be condemned to pay the full
amount of all the fines which in accordance with said ordinance
he has incurred to this date, [the plaintiff] requesting security
for the satisfaction of the judgment, all with costs.
Finally, that he be made to pay the rent and toepacht of tlie
six morgens of land for the year 1650, and as surety for Jan
Helms also be made to pay his rent and toepacht for 1 650, with
costs.

^The v^ill of Gerrit van Slichtenhorst, dated Oct. 12, 1683 proved
Sept. (Dec?) 29, 1685 (N. Y. Hist. Soc, Collections, 1892, 25:170,
470^471), mentions seven children: Alida, wife of Peter Davids Schuy
ler, Elizabeth, wife of Nicholas William Stuyvesant, Bata, wife of Jan
Oost, Helagont, Gerrit, Rachel and Yonde. Two of the younger chil
dren, Gerrit and Gouda, or Hillegonda, afterwards moved to the Dutch
colony of Surinam. See De Navorscher, 1918, 67:436-37.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 149
The same demand the director likewise makes in regard to the
defendant and Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck, in their
capacity of guardians of the minor children of Cornelis Maessen,
deceased. Director Brant van Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Teunis
Dircksz van Vechten, defendant, for slander.
Whereas the defendant, on the first of February 1650, when
the plaintiff in his official capacity came to the house of Cornelis
Teunisz van Breuckelen to make an inventory of the patroon's
cattle, in the presence of nearly all the authorities of the colony
and of Fort Orange, the Domine and about ten witnesses, dared
1 6 or 17 separate times greatly to abuse the plaintiff, saying :
"Are you to be our director and ruler? You are an old, gray
thief and a rascal and you have stolen my own property and I
shall prove it," adding thereto all sorts of abuse and this without
any cause or occasion for it. Which slanderous remarks the
plaintiff brought to the attention of the court and for which the
defendant is now [79], the 2d of this month, summoned to
appear before the full court, but does not appear, so that in the
first place proof of his statements is demanded as before.
Secondly, the defendant, on December 19, 1649, and again
on February 16, 1650, at the house of Pieter Bronck likewise
slandered the plaintiff (and also called Domine Megapolensis
an informer, as appears more at large by the bill of complaint) ,
which slander the said plaintiff has taken much to heart, being
a person of good reputation and character, who neither in his
private nor in his official capacity is willing to suffer such injury
for anything under the sun and which in a land of justice should
not go unpunished, it being intolerable tliat people should thus
fail to respect their lawful authorities, both ecclesiastical and
civil. The honorable plaintiff concludes therefore that the defendant
for such repeated, public, deliberate, false and lying accusation
must and ought to be punished as an example to others.
Furthermore, that for all the aforesaid slanders he shall make

150 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
honorable and pecuniary amends, as follows : In the first place,
that he shall appear before the entire court and resting on his
bare knees pray God,,.the court and the director for forgiveness;
that he shall then with his right hand slap his mouth and say as
many times as he has slandered with it, " Mouth, thou hast
spoken falsely and lyingly." And that for each slander he shall
in addition be condemned to pay a fine of fl. 300, two thirds
thereof to be for the director and one third for the poor, in
accordance with the ordinance of May 28, 1648; and that
furthermore he shall be punished as stated above, all cum
expensis, the plaintiff demanding security for the judgment.
The defendant, some time ago, in crossing the river with
Domine Megapolensis, likewise, without any reason whatever,
addressed many vile words to the Domine, who at the time was
an estimable minister here in the colony, making him out to be an
informer and a rascal [79v] and, after having uttered said
slander, crowded in upon the minister with the intention of
stabbing him unexpectedly with a knife, so that the minister upon
his approach warned the defendant not to come nearer, or he
would hit him with a piece of wood on the side of his head in
such a way that he would fall out of the boat into water.
And as the defendant has not been able to prove the aforesaid
charges, he must be regarded as a slanderer, who in addition has
committed assault and violence, for which according to the
ordinance of May 28, 1 648, he is liable to a fine of fl. 1 50, and
as the same took place on Sunday, the double amount according
to the ordinance, or fl. 300* and for drawing his knife, fl. 100,
according to the ordinance of the Manhatans, amounting in all
to . . . fl. [blank] ; all cum expensis.
Furthermore, the plaintiff has summoned the defendant to
obtain payment of the stipulated toepachten ^ for the year 1 648,
in addition to the tithes and the amount in cash stipulated in the
contract of September 14, 1648; together with the toepachten

^A sort of quitrent to which the director under his contract with the
guardians of the young patroon was entitled.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 151
for the years 1649 and 1650, at fl. [blank] a year, all cum
expensis. The defendant, furthermore, has dared to put an exhoi'bitant
price on his and the patroon's earliest grain, selling the mudde
at eleven guilders, which is a violation of the patroon's ordinance,
it being the particular duty of the commissioners and the court
to prevent that any one fix the price of the grain in such a way
as to oppress the poor people and his fellow men as much as is
in his power ; for which offense he is liable to the patroon's high
est fine.
[80] September 18, 1648, Teunis Dircksz ordered Willem
Menten four times in succession to fire a musket in the brewery
during the night, by which repeated shooting those of the fort
and in the colony were quite startled and frightened, thinking
that it was an alarm; whereupon those in the fort returned the
firing, as a signal that they would come to the rescue, and Mons'.
Labatie with some soldiers, who were assigned to the task of
pulling down the houses in the Fuyck ^ ^^nd who were ordered to
go, during the night sailed across the river to relieve them. When
Mons'. Labatie and the aforesaid soldiers came into the Grenen-
bos, Teunis Dircksz gave them six gallons and a half barrel of
beer for their trouble. For which improper shooting by night,
he has forfeited for each time the sum of fl. 1 0, according to the
ordinance of October 16, 1648, and in addition is to be arbi
trarily punished as an example to others. All cum expensis.
The 19th ditto, Teunis Dircksz called Teunis Cornelisz a
rascal and a thief and in addition beat him in his own house

'¦The Dutch name for a funnel shaped hoopnet. The name may
originally have been applied to the houses in the immediate vicinity of
the fort, which were built along convergent lines, as distinguished from
the term byeenwoninge, which in this record is used repeatedly to designate
the entire village. It is interesting to note that on the island of Curacao,
in the Dutch West Indies, there is a harbor called de Fuyck, which is
referred to by de Laet as early as 1 644. See his Hisiorie ofie laerlijck
Verhael van de Verrichtinghen der Geociroyeerde West-Indische Com
pagnie, p. 436. Cf. also Doc. rel. to Col. Hisi. N. Y., 2:558, and
Journal of Jasper Danckaerts, 1679-1680, ed. by B. B. James and
J. F. Jameson, in " Original Narratives of Early American History,"
p. 216.

152 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
about the head with his fists and pulled the hair out, of his head,
because he had hired the six morgens of land which the com
missioners in leasing his land had kept to themselves, which
attempt to give the patroon's property a bad name and make it
useless is a matter of serious import and consequence, for which
he has forfeited the sum of fl. 10 for each excess, to wit, first,
for calling him a rascal, secondly a thief, thirdly, for having
struck him with his fists, and fourthly for pulling his hair and
trying to make the patroon's property useless, amounting together
to fl. 40:- and in addition, arbitrary correction.
In May 1649, the defendant fought, first with Pieter Hert
gers, and then with Mr Abraham Staas, with fists, at their house
in the brewery, for which he has forfeited fl. 1 0 each, or fl.20 :-,
all cum expensis.
[80v] Febmary 21,1 649, Teunis Dircksz was lined because
he let a sleigh with two horses in very cold weather stand wdth-
out food or cover before the door of Jan Verbeeck, for which
according to the ordinance he has forfeited, for the first time,
the sum of fl. 3 :—
Director Brant van Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Seger
Cornelisz, defendant.
Whereas the defendant, on December 23, 1648, before the
full court, acknowledged his signature affixed to the contract of
August 25, 1643, upon which acknowledgement, as appears on
folio 2 1 of the court record, he was condemned to fulfill all the
terms of the contract, which has since expired, it follows that the
defendant must deliver in the first place, the house, brew house,
three hay barracks, hogpen, wagon, plow, harrows, harness, and
furthermore all the farm implements, horses, cows and hogs,
according to the inventory, information and contract made with
vander Donck in the year 1 646, all in good condition and wall
and roof tight,^ according to the plain language of the contract.

'At this point is written in the margin: " 2d, must deliver in good condi
tion the number of animals and the aforesaid farm tools; 3d, the build
ings; 4th, or, in case of failure, the honorable plaintiff will count the loss
at fl. 1500, plus damages and costs."

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 153
which the patroon will not suffer any one to misconstrue or inter
pret otherwise than it stands, and w^hich reads as follows : " The
patroon shall to begin with provide [the buildings] at his expense,
provided that the farmer shall thereafter at his expense maintain
them and keep them in repair, and at the expiration of the lease
deliver them back in as good condition as he received them."
Nota. For which the defendant is asked to give security or, in
default thereof, to go under arrest.
[81 ] Also, that the defendant within a short time shall comply
with and satisfy the judgment of August 1 2, 1 649, in regard to
his refusal to have an appraisal made of the patroon's own build
ings, under penalty of arrest, for the first time.
Also, payment for the 23 morgens o'f wheat appraised at fl. 75,
with interest at 1 0% until full payment is made, as is customary
here, and also to give security therefor.
Whereas all the colonists have each year, sometimes twice, by
publicly posted notices been warned that every one must deliver
to the director his account in writing, for each year separately,
with the necessary vouchers, the defendant nevertheless
obstinately remains in default to render his account for the years
1644, 1645, 1646 and 1647, under the penalty provided by the
ordinance, and is to pay the balance agreed upon on March 3,
1 650, and to give security therefor.
Also, the defendant, last year, on his own authority, appro
priated the patroon's tithes, without once notifying thereof the
director, much less the commissioners, for which he has for
feited for each morgen 4 schepels of wheat, according to the
regulations made by the late patroon in regard to the tithes, in
addition to the value of the same.
Furthermore, the defendant has dared daily to have teaming
done with the patroon's horses, which were entrusted to him
only to do his farm work with, employing thereto one, two and
even three horses at a time, as the plaintiff himself has seen, in
violation of the ordinance of March 31,1 649.
The plaintiff, therefore, demands that the defendant be con-

154 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
demned to render within a specified time an account of his illegi
timate gains; that [81 v] the halfe of said gains shall be declared
to be for the benefit of the honorable patroon and that he alone,
without loss to the patroon, shall be required to make good the
damage suffered on account of the horses that are stiff, crippled,
lame, blind, dead or drowned; the plaintiff maintaining further
that the defendant ought to be aAitrarily punished for having
misused the property that was entrusted to him ; all cum expensis.
Also, that the defendant be ordered within a definite time to
make a correct return of all the beer that was brewed by him
and to pay therefore one guilder per barrel, according to the
ordinance of the honorable patroon.
February 14. Jacob Lambertsz, defendant.
Also: Teunis Dircksz
Corn: Segersz
Jan Carstensz
Corn: Teunisz van Westbroeck
Jan Michielsz
Willem Jeuriaensz
Willem Fredericksz
Aert Jacobsz^ Of these, the grain, threshed and
Jan Helms [unthreshed, was attached.
[82] Court proceedings, February 16 Anno 1651
Teunis Dircksz acknowledges his signature as surety affixed
to the contract of sale of the farm of Jan Helms.
Cornelis Teunisz acknowledges his signature as surety affixed
to the contract of sale of the farm of Aert Jacobsz.
Andries de Vos, having been requested to act as assistant to
the guardians of the orphans of the late Cornelis Maessen,
accepts the appointment before the court.
Upon the petition of Andries de Vos, praying to be released
[ from his contract] regarding the use of the water and the build
ing of a mill' in the vicinity of the farm of Thomas Chamber, on

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 155
account of the difficulties and inconveniences connected there
with, as shown in a previous remonstrance, his reasons are
accepted by us at their face value and admitted to be valid;
consequently, fiat is entered upon his petition.
Willem Jeuriaensz acknowledges his signature to his contract
dated May 7, 1638.
Upon the petition of Jan Thomasz and Volckert Hansz, pray
ing payment of what is due to them by the honorable patroon,
the following serves for apostil : If they render a true account,
statement and proof of what is coming to them from the honor
able patroon, they will be satisfied to that amount in goods
of the honorable patroon.
[In the margin is written:] The director appeals from the
above decision. [82v] Court proceedings, March 2 Anno 1 65 1
Jacob Adriaensz summoned to pay land rent of the year 1 648.
The term of the lease of the homestead of Casper Jacobsz
shall commence at Amsterdam fair ^ anno 1 65 1 .
Teunis Dircksz agrees to answer the director's complaint in
two weeks, provided that a copy be handed to him.
Cornelis Segersz is likewise granted a delay of two weeks,
precisely. As to the attachment, Cornelis Segersz promises here before
the court that he will deliver to the honorable director four hun
dred schepels of wheat, on condition that he to whom anything
shall turn out to be due by settlement of accounts, shall receive it.
In regard to the proposal made the honorable director about
the ordinance concerning the depreciation of loose seawan,^ issued
and communicated to us by the honorable general and council of
New Netherland, we report that we are forced to follow it, for
the reason that otherwise we should draw all the unstrung sea-

^ September 22.
" See Laws and Ordinances of New Netherland, p. 1 1 5-1 8.

156 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
wan from the Manhatans to the colony, to the considerable loss
and damage of the honorable patroon and the inhabitants.
March 7, 1651, the Honorable Director Slichtenhorst
attached the threshed and unthreshed grain of [Claes Segersz?]
for the payment of the patroon's highest fine.
On the same date and in like manner the director attached
the grain of Jeuriaen Bestval and also summoned him in order
to secure payment for the years 1 649 and 1 650.
The 1 1 th ditto, Cornelis Segersz was summoned in his capa
city of lessee for the payments as above on account of Claes
Segertsz. [83] Comelis Segertsz having appeared in court on the 2d
day of March aforesaid, after receipt of the complaint brought
against him by the honorable director, and having been asked by
the plaintiff whether he had answered it, he replied that he did
not consider himself sufficiently able to refute the same and
requested that for lack of advocates or attorneys a member of
the court might be appointed defensoris loco to answer the same.
The honorable members of the court, therefore, having duly con
sidered the defendant's request and not seen fit to reject it, but
on the contrary wishing to grant his just request, have after some
controversy and opposition finally ordered and directed Antonio
de Hooges to undertake the task. Which the said de Hooges
(as in duty bound to their honors aforesaid) has accepted, upon
this special condition that he should not become involved in the
suit. Whereupon the honorable plaintiff suggested [that he
accept the appointment] without prejudice to his honor and oath,
which the said attorney promised., Whereupon, as a further
pledge, the honorable director and Mons'. Arent van Curler as
commissioner have offered him, de Hooges, the right hand, in the
presence of
{Rutger Jacobsz and ^
Pieter Hertgers | magistrates

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 157
[83v] Court proceedings, March 16 Anno 1651
Cornelis Segersz, being once more confronted with the judg
ment of March 3, 1650, declares and earnestly represents that
he has serious objections thereto, and humbly but urgently
requests that the question which may result from his account may
be referred, not to the honorable masters, who are prejudiced in
the matter, but to impartial judges or persons learned in the law,
by whose decision both parties may abide.
Which request being taken up and considered by their honors
aforesaid, they have decided to allow room for fair play and
therefore granted his request.
Presentibus : Mr Brant van Slichtenhorst, director
Arent van Curler, commissioner
A: de Hooges, commissioner and secretary
Rutger Jacobsz "^
Pieter Hertgers and L magistrates
Jan Verbeeck J
Gysbert Cornelisz acknowledges that on January 31, 1 650,
he leased Casteels island for fl. 1910.
What was attached in the hands of Thomas Chamber on
account of Claes Teunisz amounts to  fl. 1 34 : 1 0-
And after payment of that money on account of Jan Ver
beeck  fl. 45:-
The honorable director hereupon requests judgment.
Claes Teunisz requests that the money due to him from the
honorable patroon be paid.
The director demands payment from Jochem Kettelheym on
account of the farm of Jeuriaen Bestval, for so far as his share
as principal is concerned. [84] December 21 Anno 1650
Carsten Carstensen, being asked by the director whether he
sold the garden heretofore used by him, situated north of the lol

158 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
of Gysbert Cornelisz from Weesop ^ and south of the honorable
Company's [ground], as to the ground, the use thereof, or any
thing else?
Answers, that he sold to Jacob Jansen Schermerhoorn the
palisades and the produce that was in it Icist summer for four
beavers, and the hogpen for one beaver, so that he has neither
sold nor enjoyed any use or ownership, but only [sold] the
produce and building for so far as they were his own.
He says also that when the garden was granted to him, he was
a free colonist under contract with the honorable patroon of this
colony. This he has declared to be true, in the presence of:
Mons'. Arendt van Curler
Mons'. Gerrit Vasterick
Mons'. Roelant Savery^
At the request of Director Brandt van Slichtenhorst,
Which I certify,
A. de Hooges, Secretary
This day, the 22d of December 1 650, Carsten Carstensen has
again declared in court that the above statements are true and
consequently confirmed them by handshake and true words,
instead of an oath. Which I certify,
A. de Hooges, Secretary
Jan Baerensen, who has had the use of the aforesaid garden
before Carsten, declares that he took it by order, authority and
consent of Comelis Tuenisz from Brueckelen, at that time officer
of this colony.' Testified to, this 27th of March 1651. Which
I certify, A. de Hooges, Secretary.

' The same as Weesp, a city near Amsterdam.
^He was a glazier; see Appendix II.
^At the bottom of the page, in a later hand, is written: "Cornelis
Teunisz from Breuckelen, officer of this colony. When? "

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 159
[84v] August 18 Anno 1651
With common consent it is resolved to send away some extracts
from the court minutes concerning the proceedings between the
honorable director and Claes Gerritsz.
The court once more orders Claes Gerritsz to satisfy the judg
ment of August 20, 1650, within six weeks after notice hereof
is served, under the penalty of two pounds Flemish.
Whereas question has arisen between Director Slichtenhorst
and Domine Megapolensis in regard to the account between them
and the payment thereof, Domine Megapolensis is kindly
requested this coming autumn to come to the colony of Rens
selaerswyck al the expense of the honorable patroon and the
co-directors, in order lo preach God's Holy Word and administer
the sacraments and among other things lo settle the aforesaid
account and question and pay according to his ability.
Rensselaerswyck, August 18, anno 1651. [The director,
Slichtenhorst?]
[85] This day, the 18lh of August anno 1651, Hendrick
Reur from Munsler is engaged as court messenger for the period
of one year, to acquit himself faithfully of his duties, for which
he is to receive a salary of one hundred guilders a year and in
addition thereto fees for citations and arrests.
And Hendrick Reur has by shaking hands with the director,
instead of taking an oath, promised before the court that he will
faithfully conduct himself.
[The rest of the page is blank.]
[85v] Extraordinary session, September 6, 1651
As to the question which has arisen between Pieter Bronck
and Joost Teunisz from Norden;
Whereas, on receiving an order on Jan van Bremen, Joost
Teunisz turned over to Pieter Bronck the obligation between

160 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
them, which amounts to giving a receipt, but whereas Joost
Teunisz has not yet received the fifty guilders, owing to the fact
that to this date he has not been at the house of Jan van Bremen
for that purpose, and we are informed that at the time the order
was made out the money was ready, it is adjudged that Joost
Teunisz must provisionally seek to recover the amount from the
aforesaid Jan van Bremen and in case for some time to come
there is no likelihood of payment, Pieter Bronk must secure pay
ment before he may receive the balance of his own account from
Jan van Bremen.
As to the costs of the extraordinary session, amounting to
fl. 18:10, Joost Teunisz is condemned to pay two thirds, or
fl. 12:10, and Pieter Bronck one third, or fl. 6:—
[86] As to the defamation, Joost Teunisz declares before the
court that he has nothing to say against Pieter Bronck that
reflects on his honor or virtue, if he only gets his pay.
As to the calling of names, which Joost had no right to, as
he should have let the court settle their difference, he is con
demned to make reparation by paying a fine of eight guilders to
the director and two guilders to the poor.
As to the matter in dispute between Jacob Jansz Flodder,
plaintiff, and Hendrick Andriesz, defendant, the court has
thought best to call in two impartial person to examine the boards
and to determine whether they are merchantable, or not, to which
purpose are appointed the following persons, namely : Mr Abreun
Pietersz ^ and Harman Bastiaensz, who are to make their report
to the court, which shall then adjudge the matter as it shall see fit.
Whereas Jacob Jansz Flodder sold a certain quantity of
boards to Hendrick Andriesz, which were to be merchantable
and now form the subject of a dispute because the delivery is
said to have taken place out of season, the honorable court has
thought fit to refer the matter to Harman Bastiaensz and Willem
Fredericksz Bout, to examine said boards and to determine

¦ Abraham Pietersz Vosburg.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 161
whether they are merchantable, or not. The persons aforesaid
having declared before the court that some of the boards are not
merchantable, the honorable court have decided and adjudged
that in their opinion Jacob Jansz Flodder is bound to take back
the boards and Hendrick Andriesz is ordered to return said
boards at his expense to Jacob Jansz Flodder, or to make pay
ment therefor. The costs of convening the court in extraordinary
session are to be paid by Jacob Jansz. Done in collegio, the 6th
of Septeiriber 1 65 1 .
By order of the director and council of the colony of Rensse
laerswyck, in [their] absence.
[86v] Court proceedings, September 7 Anno 1651
Cited are:

Firstdefault

Claes Teunisz
Marten Hendricksz
Evert Pels
Thomas Keuningh

Extraordinary session, 9 ditto, 1 65 1
{Evert Pels
Marten Hendricksz
Court proceedings, September 14 Anno 1651
The judgment of August 20, 1 650, concerning Claes Gerritsz,
being read to Cornelis Segersz, he declares that he has made no
payment, whereupon the director levies an attachment.
Cornelis Cornehsz van Voorhout cited to pay :
For the rent of the year 1650  fl. 100:-
For tithes  A- 15:-
For[ ]  [ ]
1 [ ]  [ ]
6

162 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
For { ] pair [ ]  fl. 30:-
He promises to pay the same at the first opportunity.
[87] Thomas Chamber and 1
Default Claes Teunisz J"'*=^
First default Teunis Cornelisz
Evert Pels and Martten Hendricksz being summoned to
a,ppear in regard to payment for the brewery and their note of
March 15, 16^0, acknowledge their signature and debt and
.promise at the first opportunity to make some payment according
to their ability.
Claes Gerritsz has cited the honorable director.
Claes Gerritsz is arrested by the honorable director [to
remain] within the [limits of the] colony, under penalty of the
lord's highest fine.
Upon the petition of Pieter Bronck for permission to have a
suitable house erected for tapping purposes, for which he has had
a quantity of lumber piled near his house, the director asks that
in accordance with the instructions from the honorable gufudiaras
but two taverns be allowed. Whereupon, the court having heard
the said instructions read, it is unanimously decided that for the
convenience of the piiblic [the petition of] Pieter Bronck [shall
be granted], whereupon the director [has withdrawn his
request] .
[87v] Thomas Chamber again cited to appear on Thursday
next. Court proceedings, September 28 Anno 1651
Cited: r Evert Pels
I Marten Hendricksz

Second default.

Thomas Keuningh
Sander Leendersz
!Second Claes Gerritsz
Teunis Cornelis

default

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 163
Attachment of money due to Claes Gerritsz by
Broer Comelis.
^g^eed Willem Frcdericksz caused Cornelis de Vries to be
together. i
summoned.
^'*" Rutger Adriaensz caused Claes Cornelisz to be
Comelisz i
, , . summoned,
suiters hu
jirst default.
Evert Pels and Marten Hendricksz acknowledge
their signatures to the note, one dated March 14,
1650, amounting to  fl. 2200:-
the other the 1 5th ditto, in the sum of . fl. 200 :-
[Interest?]  fl. 96:-

fl. 2496:-
For expenses  5 :8-

Total due  fl. 2501 :8-
In addition. Marten has received
personally  35 :-

fl. 2536:8-
[Two lines destroyed.]
[88] to pay the third part within one month after the date hereof
and the balance in February of the year 1652.
Thomas Chamber complains that Adriaen Dircksz from Bil ^
refuses to serve out his term and wastes and neglects his time,
claiming to be free, contrary to the contract signed by him, dated
March 24, 1651.
Adriaen Dircksz acknowledges his signature to the contract.
He says that he does not want to stay with Thomas Chamber, to
whom he is bound.
For the maintenance of good order and justice and to curb the
refractory spirit and intolerable insolence of the indented servants,

't Bildt, in Friesland?

164 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
it is adjudged that Adriaen Dircksz shall de facto be taken into
custody by the officer and for the space of fourteen days be kept
on bread and water at his own expense and that Thomas
Chamber may at the expense of said Adriaen hire another servant
to take Adriaensz Dircksz's place.
Jochem Wessels requests a lot to build thereon and to support
himself by baking. Granted on condition that he contracts to
[one or two lines destroyed] .
[88v] Claes Gerritsz says that the director used violence
against him.
The director demands once more that Claes Gerritsz within
a short time satisfy the judgment against him, or pay the damages
specified in the complaint and give security therefor, or have his
person taken into custody. Likewise, as to the fines, that he
give security or be placed in confinement.
[The defendant is] to make answer on the next court day.
Claes Gerritsz declares here before the court that Ruth
Jacobsz did not know of the judgment of August 20, 1 650, as
the man says. Court proceedings, October 5 Anno 1 65 1
Citations :
Claes Cornelisz cited by Rutger Adriaensz
Claes Teunisz, Teunis Cornelisz and Jan Michielsz cited by
Third the director in regard to question arisen between Rutger
default A 1 • , --,1
Adriaensz and Claes Cornelisz
As to the defamation, Rutger shall [ ]
provided that according to the debt Claes pay to Rutger
[ ] one beaver [ ] according to
f ]
[About two lines burned off.]

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 165
[89] This is the account between Rutger and Claes:
Claes debit to Rutger Credit
One beaver for a fur This is paid according
cap  fl. 8: - to agreement about
For two citations  1:4 a wagon  fl. .
And the [extract from and according to debt. 1 : 1
the] minutes  -:12 
 fl. 1: 1
fl. 9:16 1: 1

Remains [to be paid] fl. 8:15 cum expensis.
Jan Michielsz acknowledges that he owes the patroon fl. 85.
The director asks judgment against him and interest, all cum
expensis. Jan Michielsz is condemned to pay the eighty-five guilders
promptly within two months after date.
Teunis Cornelisz cited for the third time to pay the sum of
fl. 1(X)0, with interest, according to valid account.,
It is maintained that he must purge himself of his defaults and
give security before he can be heard and that then judgment
ought to be given against him, cum expensis.
The court, per superabundance, grants a fourth and per
emptory citation.
Claes Gerritsz having been ordered by the court to make
answer this day and having remained in default, said Claes Ger
ritsz is ordered once more, peremptorily, within the space of
eight days, to satisfy the judgment demanded by the plaintiff, to
wit, to state precisely how much he has traded each year and to
pay the damages mentioned in the aforesaid complaint, under
penalty of judgment by default, and to bind his person and
property as security for the judgment, without prejudice to the
director's further claims and demands.
[89v] Through the mediation and upon the persistent request
of certain petitioners, Adriaen Dircksz, a prisoner, is this day.

166 Colony of Rensselaerswyck
the seventh of September, graciously released from confinement,
on condition that he, Adriaen Dircksz, promises to perform his
duties faithfully and in all obedience, without in any wise acting
sullenly, or opposing his master in whose service he is, and to
serve out his bounden time, under penalty of double punishment,
as the case may deserve, all cum expensis.
October 12 Anno 1651
Jan Baerentsz having asked the court for an extension of his
lease on account of the excessive expenses incurred on his farm,
we, having noted his diligence and the good progress made by
him and considering such persons to be extremely useful here,
have consented to have his lease prolonged or extended for the
period of four or six years, at his option.
[90] Extraordinary session, October 18 Anno 1651
Whereas Rutger Jacobsz has more than once urgently
requested to be discharged from his office of magistrate {Gerechts
Persoon) and presented the, reasons which move him to do so,
we, desiring to oblige him in the matter, have to fill his place and
office first urged Mons'. Johan Baptista van Rensselaer to allow
himself to be prevailed upon to take his place and finally obtained
his honor's consent thereto. In confirmation of which his honor
has by handshake with the director and with the approval of the
commissioners {gecommitteerden) been confirmed and installed
in said office. Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
On the date above written, Adriaen from Alekmaer has
agreed that for a certain house standing to the north of Fort
Orange, heretofore built by a savage named den Uyl,^ through
pressure brought to bear upon us by virtue of their superior

^The Owl. His Indian name was Stichtigeri.

Court Minutes, 1648-1632 167
strength, he, Adriaen. would pay yearly one beaver to the agents
of the honorable patroon and the co-directors, submitting himself
hereby to the court and the laws of the colony. In witness of
the truth, this is signed by Adriaen aforesaid with his own hand.
By me, ApRIAEN PlETERSZ VAN AlCKMAER
Which I certify.
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
The lease commences at Easter of this year, 1 65 1 .
[90v] Court proceedings, October 19, 1651
Thys Baerentsz admits his debt shown on folio 43 of the
" Book of Monthly Wages," amounting to three hundred and
forty-one guilders, fourteen stivers, whereupon the director
demands judgment against him, with the accrued interest.
Thys Baerentsz is granted a delay of six weeks in whieh to
make payment, under penalty of execution.
Thomas Keuningh being cited by the director to pay for the
half of a bull', amounting to the sum of fl. 35 in beavers, toward
which fl. 1 0 is credited' to him, the director asks that he be con
demned to pay.
Thomas Keuningh is ordered to pay within the space of one
month after this date.
As to the question which has arisen between Jochem; the baker,
and Jacob Luyersz, it is ordfered that Jacob Luynersz shall imme
diately fulfil his contract with Jochem and that each of ihemi
shall produce his evidence as to the difference beUween them on
Thursday next, on which day they are this day summoned to
appear. Jan Michiekz having heretofore been summoned to pay
fl. 251, is ordered' . . . [two lines destroy edj.
[91] GilHs Fonda earnestly requests permission to support
himself by distilling liquor in the Greenen Bos, in the house
belonging to Evert Pels, next to the brewery. His request is

168 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
granted on condition that he enters into a contract in regard to
the duties to be paid to the honorable masters.
Extraordinary session, October 21 Anno 1651
Resolved and therefore ordered and decided that all the
inhabitants of this colony residing round about and near the vil
lage {byeenTVooninge) shall be held on Thursday next, being
the 26th of this month, to make ready at their expense to cut
down the underbrush in the thicket behind the fort, from there
to the third kill, along the hill, and to remove said underbmsh,
each one for himself, in order to prevent many accidents and
inconveniences, in the interest of all.
[91v] Court proceedings held on October 26 Anno 1651
Whereas on the last court day, as a special favor, it was
proposed that Claes Gerritsz submit the differences between him
and the director to the decision of impartial men and whereas
the appointed day has now arrived, the parties have agreed to
refer their question to neutral persons, two to be appointed by
each, on condition that if the authorized agents can not agree,
the former claims shall remain intact and that the decision must
be rendered peremptorily within the space of eight days.
Jochem, the baker, and Jacob Luyersz, cited by the director.
Jacob Luyersz declares that Jochem struck him with a piece
of wood, which blow he warded off with his arm. Also, that
he had a biscuit knife in his hand, with which he threatened him,
Jacob, in the house of Hendrick, the baker, and that he called
him a dog.
Jochem declares that Jacob drew a knife on him first.
Claes Cornelisz admits that he owes Tys Baerentsz one hun
dred guilders to dat^ and no more.
First default yjje director and Gerrit Vasterick have cited Evert
Pels.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 169
[92] Court proceedings, November 2 Anno 1651
Dirck van SchelluyDe, appearing before this court as the
attorney and the authorized agent in the case of Michiel Jansz,
has first of all exhibited and produced in court his .appointment
and commission as a notary, dated April 8 Anno 1650, which
being carefully examined and read by us is found to be duly,
firmly and bindingly authenticated in the name of their High
Mightinesses by the honorable secretary Cornelis Mus ^ and con
firmed by the signatures of their High Mightinesses aforesaid, so
that we properly recognize him as such.
Cryn Cornelisz and Hans Jansz from Rotterdam requesting
permission to erect a saw mill on a certain kill situated on the
west side of the river, a little north of Beeren island, their request
is granted on the same conditions as other mills, provided they
submit themselves to the government and judicature of this
colony. [92v] Aert Otterspoor having been summoned by Jan, the
smith, about defamation, says and declares before the honorable
court that if he has slandered said Jan (which he does not
know), he is sorry. Cum expensis.
The compensation for expenses is fixed by the court at three
guilders. [93] Extraordinary session, November 4 Anno 1651
The honorable court of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, having
seen and examined and carefully considered all the documents
in the proceedings carried on between Director Brant van
Slichtenhorst, as plaintiff, on one side, and Michiel Jansz, as
defendant, on the other side, with the continuation thereof by
Notary Dirck Schelluyne, as attorney, have adjudged and
decided, as they hereby do adjudge and decide, that the
defendant, or his sureties in the matter, shall tender and pay to

^Cornelis Musch. The commission is printed in Documents relative
io ihe Colonial History of the Stale of New York, 1 :384.

1 70 Colony of Rensselaerswyck
the honorable plaintiff tlie sum of two thousand nine hundred and
fifty-four guilders, and eleven stivers, the receipt of which, clear,
by balance of accounts, the defendant (as appears by his signa
ture) , has acknowledged in court. The just half thereof, that is,
fourteen hundred and seventy-seven guilders and five stivers,
eight pence, the defendant, or his sureties, are ordered to pledge
witliin the space of six weeks after the date hereof.
Likewise, for three horses received by him, which the
defendant took with him at his departure [from the colony],
valued at one hundred and fifty-six guilders and ten stivers each,
amounting to the sum of four liundred and sixty-nine guilders, ten
stivers, the defendant, or his sureties, are ordered to pledge the
amount aforesaid as above.
As to any further lawful claims wbich the defendant may have
aside from the liquid assets mentioned in his aforesaid account,
he is once more ordered to present proof thereof tefore the first
of May anno 1 652, under penalty of judgment by default, and
in case upon examination by the court said claims are found to
be properly proven, they will be credited to the defendant's
account. Furthermore, the defendant is condemned in the sum of thirty
guilders for the costs of this extraordinary session.
Done in the colony, this 4th day of November anno 1 65 1 .
By order of the honorable court,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
[93v] Court proceedings, November 9 Aimo 1651
[Blank space.]
Extraordinary session, November 10 Anno 1651
The honorable director and Claes Gerritsz having heretofore
chosen Mr Johannes Dyckman and Mons'' Dirck Schelluyije as
arbitrators on the part of the director and Andries Herbertsz and
Willem Fredericksz as arbitrators on the part of Claes Geritsz,

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 171
they on this day, the date above written, appeared to settle the
differences between them and in view of the limited powers of the
arbitrators bave jointly and severally agreed emd contracted to
settk all the questions and differences which have thus far arisen
between them out of court and to place them entirely [94] into
the hands of the aforesaid arbitrators, on condition that each
party shall waive all right of exception or whatever may in any
wise conflict wath the full power of attorney given by him, under
penalty if either of the principals should violate this agreement
or object to the decision or award of the arbitrators of forfeiting
the sum of seventy-five guilders to the poor ; for the fulfilment of
which they bind themselves according to law. But with this
exceptioo and reservation that if the autliorized agents can not
agree or compose the differences, that then all former judgments
Emd writings regarding the aforesaid differences shall stand and
remain intact. In witness whereof the principals have confirmed
and ratified these by their signatures. Done in the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, the year and day above written.
B. V. Slichtenhorst
The mark X of Claes Gerritsz, made with his own hand.
In the capacity aforesaid the authorized agents have found and
awarded, as they hereby do find and award, as follows:
As to the forbidden trade carried on by Claes Gerritsz, he
shall pay therefor to the director the sum of one hundred guilders,
at tweijty stivers apiece, once, and [94v] no more.
Secondly, as to the unlawfully traded furs and the contraband
goods found in the possession of said Claes Gerritsz, it is decided
that they shall remain confiscated and forfeited for the benefit
of the honorable director in his official capacity.
Finally, as to the insulting and slanderous remarks addressed
by Claes Gerritsz to the person of the honorable director, it is
decided that by way of fine the said Claes Gerritsz shall within
the space of 14 days from the date hereof turn over and pay
once for all the sum of twenty five guilders for the benefit of the
poor and a like sum to the honorable director.

172 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Furthermore, he shall admit to the director that he did wrong.
All with the costs of the extraordinary session and this arbitration.
Wherewith all the disputes which to this date have arisen and
occurred between the parties are finally disposed of and settled,
the parties on both sides being for ever after enjoined from taking
any legal or extrajudicial action in the matter. Thus done by
the authorized agents on the date above written. In watness
whereof they have hereto affixed their signatures.
Joannes Dyckman
D, V. Schelluyne 1651
Andries Herberts
The mark of X WiLLEM Fredericksz, made with
his own hand
[95] In accordance with the aforesaid arbitration, Claes
Gerritsz has by handshake, in the presence of the aforesaid
authorized agents, acknowledged to the honorable director that
he has done wrong. Date above written.
Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
Court proceedings, November 16 Anno 1651
The following were cited:
Hans, first Haus Jansz from Rotterdam cited by Evert Pels
default. Adriaen de Vries and Evert Noldingh cited by the
honorable director
defadff" Claes Uylenspiegel cited by Mr Dyckman
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Evert Noldingh,
defendant. Whereas the defendant has committed a criminal offense by
striking Adriaen Dircksz in the face with a pair of tongs, thereby
completely smashing his nose and mortally wounding him, without
any reason or occasion for it in the least, which serious crime in
a land of justice may not remain unpunished; therefore, the

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 173
honorable director demands that he shall be arbitrarily punished
and in addition be condemned to pay a fine of fl. 300, or be put
to hard labor, according to the ordinance, cum expensis. And
furthermore, that he shall give security for the satisfaction of the
judgment, or be placed under arrest. [Two lines burned off.]
[96] It is resolved and decided that on every court day the
bell shall be rung, in order that every one may know the time
when the court convenes.
Court proceedings, November 23 Anno 1 65 1
It is resolved and ordered that on the 28th of November of
this year, being next Tuesday, every inhabitant of this colony
shall take the burgher oath, according to the formulary.^
Citations :
Mr Dyckman causes Claes Uylenspiegel ^ to be cited.
Claes Uylenspiegel — Cornelis Cornelisz van Voorhout.
The honorable director — Jochem, the baker.
Mr Dyckman requests that the wages earned by Jan Weble ^
be deposited with the court, until proper liquidation.
Upon the petition of Adriaen Jansz, schoolmaster,* the follow
ing apostil is entered:
The petitioner is granted for this current year, from now on,
without thereby establishing any precedent, in alleviation of his
house rent, out of the emoluments of this colony, the sum of
fifty guilders, once.
[96v] Court proceedings, November 30 Anno 1651
The honorable director causes Jochem, the baker, and Jacob
Luyersz to be cited.
Jan Michielsz — Claes Uylenspiegel.

^ For the form of this oath and the names of the persons who took
it, see O'Callaghan, History of New Netherland, 2 : 1 76.
^ Claes Teunisz, alias Uylenspiegel, meaning the wag, or joker.
^ This name is not identified. Perhaps intended for Jan Wemple.
* Adriaen Jansz van Ilpendam, who on February 2, 1655, petitioned
the court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck for the exclusive right to keep
day and night school. He was apparently in the colony on November

174 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Teunis Dircksz cited and his property attached at the request
of the director.
Jeuriaen Bestval cited and his property attached at the request
of the director.
Property of Claes Segersz attached.
Property of Evert Pels attached.
Property of Cornelis Cornelisz van Voorhout attached.
This day, Mr Joannes Dyckman, assisted by Jean Labatie,
Jacob Jansz Stol and Pieter Ruyverdingh, delivered to the court
a writ of appeal signed by the Honorable General P. Stuyvesant,
dated November 20, 1651.
Jacob Luyersz denies having drawm a knife on Jochem, the
baker. The court having heard the parties, to wit, Jochem^ the baker,
and Jacob Luyersz, and having duly considered everything, con
demn the said Jochem, for striking [Jacob Luyersz] with a piece
of wood, to pay fl. 10, and [the said JochemJ as well as Jacob
Luyersz for drawing knives, to pay each a fine of fl. 10.
Willem Jeuriaensz being asked in court whether he is willing
to carry out the contract entered into with Jan van Hoesen, dated
January 30, 1 650, he answers. No.

28, 1650, and was probably engaged as schoolmaster not long after
September 9, 1 650, when the court of the colony passed the fol
lowing resolution: "Whereas the Honorable director, the commissioners
emd councilors of the colony are earnestly requested to provide the
inhabitants with a competent schoolmaster and to appoint one, and
recognizing the need thereof and that such appointment would tend to
the uplift of a well ordered republic; therefore, having duly considered
the same, we have in the first place, of our own free will chosen, and
appointed as curators and commissioners for the building of a suitable
school, the securing of a voluntary contribution from these inhabitants
thereto, and the supervision and administration and authority over the
same, their honors, Monsr. Arent van Curler and Goossen Gerritsen,
who are hereby authorized thereto and also voluntarily accept the same.
Done in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, this 9th day of September Anno
1650. (Signed) B. v. Slichtenhorst, A. de Hooges, Rut Jacobsem. A.
van Curler, and the mark X of Goossen Gerritsz, made with his own
hand. ("Leases and Contracts," 1648—52, p. 19, Rensselaerswyck
Mss.)

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 1 75
[97} Court proceedings, December 7 Anno 1651
The following citations were made:
Jacob Aerts caused to be cited Evert Pels
The honorable director " Jochem Kettelheym
Willem Jeuriaensz
Jeuriaen Bestval
Evert Pels
Teunis Dircksz and
Kees Schoester,^ on
the part of the minor
children " Jacob Aertsz, wagoner
Mr Dyckman " Corn. Cornelisz van Voorhout
Jacob Aertsz, acknowledging his debt for the purchase of
goods belonging to the estate of Cornells Maesz, deceased,
amounting to the sum of fl. 65:12:8, is ordered promptly to pay
the aforesaid money with the interest thereof at the rate of one
penny in sixteen to be reckoned from Shrove Tuesday 1649.
Jeuriaen Bestval and Jochenj Kettelheym are hereby per
emptorily and strictly ordered promptly to pay the arrears of
money next Thursday, or to furnish tWQ sufficient sureties, or, in
default thereof to go to debtor's prison.
Willem Jeuriaensz acknowledges his signature affixed to the
contract dated May 7, anno 1 638.
[97vJ December II, anno 1651, the director, on account of
the crime committed [by Huybert Jansz |, attached all the
money in the hand's of Mons'. v^ri Curler which is due to Huy
bert Jansz by Mons'. van Curler.
Court day held on December 14, 1651
The 7th ditto, [the director?] caused to be cited the guardians
of the children of the late Cornelis Maessen;

^ Cornells Teunisz van Westbroeck, one of the guardians of the minor
children of Cornelis Maesz van Bijren, See- Van Rensselaer Bowief Mss,
p. 181.

1 76 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Default aiso^ Claes Segersz, Jeuriaen Bestval and Jan Reyersz.
Default Jijto, Pieter Bronck had Aert Otterspoor cited
Default ditio, Aert Otterspoor  Jan van Bremen
Default Gysbert aende Berch and Claes, his brother
Default Jochem Kettelheym and Jeuriaen Bestval
Aert Jacobsz and Cornelis Teunisz, as surety for the aforesaid
Aert Jacobsz, cited to acknowledge or deny their signatures
affixed to the contract dated August 16, anno 1649.
Jan Reyersz admits the debt for goods received from the
estate of the late Cornelis Maessen. Is therefore condemned to
pay, the same as others.
The director attached fl. 500 in the hands of Jan Reyersz,
due to Ryck Rutgersz.
Aert Jacobsz and Cornelis Teunisz acknowledge
Th"* their signatures affixed to the aforesaid contract and
was^reTd to Aert, or the surety, is condemned to pay within six
Aert Jacobsz weeks the two years' rent due for the years 1 649
S? . ""' and 1650 according to the contract, under penalty
1 eunisz on ^
the 21st of execution, [98] and the remaining rent next
*^'"°- Easter anno 1 652, Aert, or his surety being likewise
condemned to pay this.
The director has notified Aert Jacobsz of the cancellation of
the lease of the nearest farm at Bethlehem, heretofore occupied
by him, with order to leave the same next spring, anno 1652,
unless he, or tiis surety, promptly turn over and pay the arrears
of rent, tithes, recognitions, etc., according to the contract.
Aert Jacobsz and Comelis Teunisz van Westbroeck cited to
appear on the 2 1 st of December anno 1 65 1 .
Court proceedings held the 2 1 st of December Anno 1 65 1
Whereas Hendrick Westerkamp, contrary to the published -
ordinance, on the 18th of this month had Jan Baerentsz and
Claes, the Brabander, haul firewood, and Hendrick admits hav
ing been warned by Jan Baerentsz, after which he had four more

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 177
sleigh loads hauled, he [and the] drivers are condemned accord
ing to the ordinance.
[ ] Febru- Whereas Jan Baerentsz and Jan Reyersz com-
notice was plam that Claes Andriesz troubles them about some
h^^'-d"" money which he claims to be due, they are hereby,
persons. Under penalty of the lord's highest fine, enjoined
B. V. Slich- and forbidden froni troubling each other any more,
^re°"o*r widiout prejudice to each person's rights.
[98v] Court proceedings, January 4 Anno 1 652
Cited at thfe request of the director:
Ryck Rutgersz
Kees Schoester
Lucas, the brother-in-law of Jan Thomas
Aryen, the servant of Cornelis Vos
Gysbert aenden Berch
Claes, his brother
Ryck Rutgersz acknowledges his debt on folio 76 of the
director's book, amounting to fl. 944, whereupon the director
demands judgment against him, without prejudice to any further
claims or right which Ryckgert may have.
TTie court orders Ryck Rutgersz, if he has any counter clmms,
to produce them within the space of fourteen days and after
previous and proper inspection of them to liquidate accounts and
furnish sufficient sureties for the payment, or elsp to go to debtor's
prison. This was read to Ryck Rutgersz.
Whereas Claes Comelisz, being the servant and brother of
Gysbert aende Berch, last year, on a Sunday, came to the house
of the director and in a spiteful tone said that he " would get his
pay " from Gysbert, even if the director and the gentlemen of
the court were standing by, which actually did happen and can
not be tolerated in a land of justice, the honorable plaintiff con
cludes that the guilty party is therefor in tlie highest degree liable

1 78 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
to arbitrary pumishment, as an example to others, irrespective of
his right to recover what is due to him, all in conformity wrdi, the
former ordinances and the plaintiff's duty, cum expensis.
Gysbert Comelisz admits that he has taken some grain for his
brother Claes and delivered it.
Gysbert acknowledges his indebtedness in the sum of fl. 1981 ,
as per folio 44 of the director's book, but as to the fl. 540 for
the number of morgens received he claims that it is sufficient for
him to make restitution at the expiration of the lease according
to appraisal. [99] The court order Gysbert aenden Berch, if he has any
counter claims to make with reference to the fl. 1981, or other
accounts, to produce them without fail within eight days after
this date and then after previous and proper examination to
liquidate accounts and fumish sufficient sureties for the payment
or go to debtor's prison.
It is decided that a copy of the cErector's complaint shall be
handed to Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck to make answer
thereto on next Thursday and to fumish sureties for the satis
faction of the judgment.
The director concl'udes that whereas Lucas, the brother-in-law
of Jan Thomasz, and Aryen, the servant of Comelis Vos, on the
yacht of Willem Albertsz have beaten said Willem over the
head till he bled, knocking off some pieces of skin, they have each
forfeited the sum of fl. 25, for which they must give security.
It is resolved that the heavy cannon belonging to the honorablfe
masters, being two in number and lying in the fort, shall from
there be brought back to the colony.
Il is agreed that Steven Jansz shall receive his wages at fl. 20
a month, clear, and that he shall not be charged for board at
the places where he has workedl
Whereas Claes Cornelis, the brother ot Gysbert aende Berch,
in spite of the prohibition and arrest, has taken and appropriated
to himself some grain, in contempt of this honorable court, and
in addition has heretofore used these insulting words, namely,

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 179
that " he would get it, even if the director and the other gentle'-
men were standing near," which is intolerable in a land of justice,
he is condemned to pay a fine of fl. [ ] , for which he is to
furnish sureties, the ordinances remaining in force. Cum
expensis. [In the margin is written:] This sentence was rendered on
January 1 1, 16S2, and entered here by mistake.
[99v] Court proceedings, January \ 1 Anno 1 652
Citations :
Teunis Cornelisz
Willem Albertsz
Lucas, the brother-in-l'aw of Jan Thomasz
Adriaen, his mate
Gysbert aende Berch
Claes, his brother
Willem Albertsz says that he was beaten by Lucas first,
before he took the sword from its place.
What Teunis Cornelis acknowliediges he
owes according to folio 74 of the director's
book, amounts to the sum of  fl. 1280: 1 1 :-
His credit account as above amounts to ... . fl. 61 6:1 5:12
So that he remains indebted  fl. 663:16:12
For counter claim on account of incon
venience of the house, hauling logs, etc., is
deducted  fl. 100:-
Balance to be paid  fl. 563 : 1 6: 1 2
Except the straw and the four beavers paid on account of the
patroon for covering the hay barrack.
Whereas Teunis Comelisz at the aforesaid liquidation of
accounts asks permission to pay the aforesaid sum in instalments,
permission is granted him to pay the money promptly in three

180 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
payments, the first one month from this date, the second a month
later and the third likewise after one month, making in all a
period of three months, payment to be made in good currency or
merchandise within the space of 1 4 days, for which he is to bind
himself and furnish sureties, under penalty of execution.
[100] Robbert Vasterick offers himself as surety for Lucas,
the brother-in-law of Jan Thomasz, and his comrade Aryen, in
the actions brought against them to this day by the honorable
director in the matter of Willem Albertsz, namely, on account
of the fight.
Upon the petition of Cornelis Teunisz van Westb[roeck] the
following apostil is given: The petitioner is granted a delay of
eight days, provided he give security for the satisfaction of the
judgment before instituting his defense. Done in the colony of
R:Wyck, this 11th of January 1652. Was signed: To my
knowledge, A. de Hooges, Secretary
Court proceedings, January 18, 1652
The honorable director caused to be cited:
Tys Baerentsz
Robbert Vasterick
Willem Albertsz
Hans Jansz from Rotterdam
Tys Baerentsz being cited with reference of the judgment of
October 19, 1 65 1 , is once more and peremptorily ordered and
commanded to pay the money mentioned therein wathin one month
after this date, under penalty of being put upon the limits, or to
give security therefor.
Hans Jansz from Rotterdam denies that he fought vnth Jacob
Flodder, much less that he drew a knife.
Upon the complaint of Evert Pels and in view of the ordinance
of November 16, 1 65 1 , on account of lost time and abuse and
contempt of court, Hans Jansz from Rotterdam is condemned

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 181
to pay a fine of twenty guilders, without prejudice to the claim
of Evert Pels.
The court having considered the complaint of the honorable
director against Willem Albertsz, on the one side, and Lucas,
the brother-in-law of Jan Thomasz, and Aryen, the servant of
Cornelis Vos, on the other side, and heard the parties and the
witnesses, have condemned Willem Albertsz and Lucas afore
said each to . . . [one or two lines destroyed].
[ 1 0Ov] Ryck Rutgersz is once more ordered to comply with
the ordinance of January 4, 1652, under the penalty as above.
Jan van Hoesen is from this date granted the lot of Willem
Jeuriaensz, provided that he, Willem, shall remain in his house
as long as he lives or the occasion requires.
Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck offers his house and effects
as security for the judgment in regard to the complaint of the
honorable director.
Court proceedings held on January 25 Anno 1652
Upon the petition of Evert Pels, containing a request for the
lot next to the garden of Gysbert, the tavemkeeper, it is decided
as follows: 1 The petitioner's request for the lot and horse mill is granted.
Gysbert [aende Berch] is authorized to draw [logs] for the
petitioner during eight days, but not to use any mares.
Upon the petition of Reyer Elbertsz, praying that he may be
permitted to burn brick, it is decided to make the following
apostil: The petitioner is granted permission to try if it will
succeed, in which case a formal order on the subject will be
made, but that the place, etc., will be shown him.
Whereas heretofore a lot was granted to the poor in full
ownership, next to the lot of Sander Leendersz, it is decided that
the same shall . . . [one or two lines destroyed].
[101] 2 Jeuriaen Teunisz, glazier, is granted a lot between
Gysbert Comelisz, the tavemkeeper, and the land of Thomas

182 Colony of Rensselaerswyck
Jansz, which wdlll be shown to him, provided that the lease is to
commence next Easter,
Tbe lionora'ble director having represented that Dirck Jansz
is bound to submit to the court an invoice of the goods imported
by 'him into the colony and the court finding that much trouble
may arise from such importations, it is resolved and decided that
Dirck aforesaid shall [be required to] take the burgher oath
and that the bouse which was built by Harmen Bastiaensz and
the said Dirck shall be tran^erred to Dirck's name, on condition
that he enter into a contract emd pay the duties to the honorable
masters. Jochem Wesselsche, baker, is hereby ejqiressly
'^'^ ordered and commanded within the space of eight
zo January days from this date to have me liunber and the hog
pen lying and standing on the lot of Jan van Hoesen removed
from said lot to the lot assigned to him, under penalty of having
the director order it done at their expense zuid to his profit.
Likewise, the said Jochem, his wife and the menders of the
family are strictly enjoined from assaulting, molesting or
troubling Jan van Hoesen or his family in any way by word or
deed, under penalty of fifty guilders, in addition to the ordinary
fine. The same injunction is issued to Jan van Hoesen and family
wath regard to Jochem Wesselsche.
[lOlv] Court proceedings, February 1 Anno 1652
Citations :
By the director:
Jochem Wesselsz and his wife
Tys Baerentsz
By Pieter Bronck:
Paulus Thomasz
Paulus Thomasz admits that he owes Pieter Bronck
fl. 165:16.
Pieter Bronck asks jiudgment and security for the payment.

Cmri Minaies, 1648-1652 183
Paulus Thomasz ibeing asked in court by the honorable
director on what conditions he and Jan van Bremen, Pieter
Teunisz, Compeer ^ and others were to take up and .possess the
land promised to ithem at Catskil, answers that they were to use
the land for ten years free from any taxes, but that at the
expiration of the ten years they were to pay tithes, whereupon
they took the oath of "fidelity before and to Mr Dyckman.
The above, Paulus Thomas declares by
handshake and on the truth of a man,
instead of under oath, before the director,
to have thus taken place.
[102] Mr Johannes Dyckman, appearing in court with the
request that he may be permitted to have as much timber cut and
hauled as wall be necessary for a new house, his request is granted.
3 Jan Baerentsz Wemp requesting permission to have a lot
next to the palisades, north of Thomas Jansz, on condition that
the lease shall commence at Easter anno 1653, his request is
granted provided that the lot shall be pointed out to him and
that he must Contract like others.
Whereas Jan Baerentsz aforesaid requests that the half of
fhe increase of the cattle may belong to him in full ownership,
as mentioned in his contract, it is resolved and decided to let him
have the same.
4 Hendrick Reur is granted the lot next to that of Jeuriaen,
fhe glazier, on condition that he shall make a contract like others,
fhe lease to commence Easter anno 1653.
5 Steven Jansz is granted the lot next to Hendrick Reur.
The lease commences Easter anno 1653.
6 Jacob Simonsz Klomp is granted fhe lot next to Steven
Jansz. The lease commences Easter anno 1653.
7 Marten Hendrick Verbeeck [is granted the lot] next to
Jacob Simonsz. The lease commences as hereinbefore stated.
He shall support himself by brewing.

^Thomas Higgins.

184 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[102v] Whereas the honorable director on the one side and
Jan Thomasz and Volckert Hansz on the other side by way of
compromise have heretofore referred their mutual differences to
fhe decision and award of fhe honorable guardians in the father
land ^ and to this date have received no information or decision,
the parties hereby mutually release each other from the aforesaid
compromise, their difference remaining in fhe seune state as before
and intact, just as if no submission [to the guardians] had taken
place. Court proceedings, Febmary 8 Anno 1652
Cited by the director:
Ruth Jacobsz, about payment or restitution of 64 schepels of
wheat. Thomas Sandersz, smith.
Pieter, the Frenchman^
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Thomas Sandersz,
smith, and Pieter, fhe Frenchman, defendants.
Whereas on the first day 6f February of this year they pre
sumed fo fight wifh each other wifh knives, with the result that
Thomas aforesaid was wounded in his left arm, the honorable
director concludes that each of them, by virtue of the ordinance,
has incurred the penalty of fl. 300, for which fhey are to be put
on the limits.
[ 1 03 ] Peremptory order is issued by fhe court fhat both
parties, Thomas Sanders as well as Pieter, the Frenchman, must
present their evidence by Thursday next.
Mr Dyckman proposes fhe question whether the gentlemen
of the court did not promise him copies of the deeds of purchase
and conveyance of this colony?
Answer : Yes.
Asks: Why, then, fhey were not exhibited?
Is informed fhat an answer thereto was given.
Mr Dyckman, having a placard from the Hon. Director
General Petro Stuyvesant, proposes fo post the same in fhe fort

^ Meaning the guardians of Johannes van Rensselaer, the young patroon.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 185
as well as in the colony. Says also that he will show authority
thereto from their High Mightinesses and the Company.
The honorable director first requests a copy to examine it.
Mr Dyckman asks and requests permission to publish and post
the placard in the colony.
The honorable director again emswers. No.
Mr Dyckman says that he will ask it once more and that then
. . . [blank].
[103v]^ Extraordinary session, Februeury 9 Anno 1652
Whereas on Fdbmary 8, 1652, Mr Johannes Dyckman,
accompanied by five persons and his assistant appeared before
the full assembly and there with much circumstance explained
his instructions, reading among other things a placard of the Hon.
General Petro Stuyvesant and the Council of New Netherland
regarding certain claims to some ground around Fort Orange,
and first asked us for permission to post this placard in fhe colony
and then, when according fo our duty this was refused, assured
us among other things that such was the order of their High
Mightinesses, therefore, [be if known,] that we shall first calmly
await fhe order of their High Mightinesses aforesaid and that in
case of refusal or lack of remonstrance [on their part] we shall
in honor and by virtue of our oath be bound to protest against all
damage, mischief or injury which may result therefrom.
And in case, contrary to our expectation, without the approval
of their High Mightinesses aforesaid, any placards should be
posted within the jurisdiction of the colony, [we promise] that
any person who shall tear them down shall af fhe expense of the
honorable masters be released from all costs, loss or damage.
B. V. Slichtenhorst, Director of the
colony of Rensselaerswyck
A. DE. Hooges, Secretary
A VAN Curler
J. B. [van Rensselaer]

^ In the margin is written : A copy hereof was shown to Mr. Johannes
Dyckman on Feb. 26, 1652.

186 Colony of RensselaensTvyck
[ 104] The honorable court of the colony of Rensselaerswyck,
by virtue of the agreement dated September 28, anno 1650,
request Mr Johannes Dyckman in all amity and friend^ip,
according to the tenor of the agreement just mentioned, to restore
the three cannon belonging to the honorable masters. Done in
collegio, this 9th day of February Anno 1652. Was signed:
B. V. Slichtenhorst, Director
of the colony
A. de Hooges, Secretary and
Commissioner
A. van Curler
J. B. V, Rensselaer
Jan Verbeeck
Whereas Harmen Bastiaensz has the lumber for a house ready
at the place assigned to him and in view of the placards lately
posted by the Company is reluctant to proceed with the building;
fhe more so as Mr Dyckman on the date underwritten has for
bidden him to do so, therefore the director hereby releases him
from all demonstrable loss or damage which he may suffer on
that account. Done in Rensselaerswyck, this 9th of February
Anno 1652. Was signed: B. V. Slichtenhorst, Director of the
colony of Rensselaerswyck
[ 1 04v] Extraordinary session, February 1 2 Anno 1 652
Arrested and cited by the director to appear in court this day,
at 9 o'clock in the forenoon:
Jan Dircksz van Bremen and
Pieter Teunisz van Brunswyck
The parties having failed to appear after their names had
been legally called, the first default is given against them.
The honorable director asks that a second and a third per
emptory summons be issued to appear on Thursday next.
The court rules: Fiat,
Mons'. Arent van Curler and Mons'. Johan Baptist van
Rensselaer attest at the request of the director that Jan Dircksz

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 187
van Bremen on December 27 Anno 1651. in their presence,
acknowledged his signature to the contract made with the honor
able director and the commissioners on the 18th of January of
the year aforesaid.

Court proceedings, February 1 5 Anno 1 652
Cited by the director are :
TTio court, for
:::r:gra"ted t: ^'^^^ T--- -^12^ and 3d peremptory
8 days' delay. Jan Van Bremen J summons
First default. f. Teunis Dircksz
Second default. T •-, i ri
L Kyck Kutgersz
The court messenger reports that according to his warrant he
served the second and third fjeremptory summons on Jan van Bre
men and Pieter Teunisz and that they accepted them, but replied
that they could not appear on this day, [but would appear] a
week from this date.
[105] Mr Johannes Dyckman, assisted fay Master Abraham
Stacis, Jacob Jansz Stol, Jan Labatie and Pieter Ruerdingh,
assistant, appearing after proper request for admittance, has
handed in two placards,, addressed to the Commeuider and those
of the jurisdiction of Rensselaerswyck, one of the 27th and the
other of the 29th of January 1 652, and signed Andreas Johannis
Christman, Clerk. Also an extract from the Resolution Book of
the Hon. Director General and Council of New Netherland,
of Monday, January 29 Anno 1652.
Also the answer to our request for restitution of the honorable
masters' cannon, dated February 15, 1652, and signed Johannes
Dyckman, Abram Staas and Jacob Jansz Hap.
Upcm the petition of Thomas Sandersz it is decided as follows :
For reasons set forth in the petition and in order to be accom
modating the honorable court have upon his petition redliced the
amount of the fine to thirty guilders.
Whereas the question between the honorable director and

188 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Jan Thomasz has been pending in court for a long time and no
response or decision has been received from [the honorable
guardians in] the fatherland to whom the case was referred, the
parties absolutely submit themselves fo [the decision of] four
arbitrators, of whom each side is to choose two, two fo be taken
from the court and two from outside fhe court, to whom they
leave the matter completely.
The honorable director chooses from the court, Mons'- J. B.
V. Rensselaer, Mons'- van Curler is chosen by them both. Jan
Thomasz chooses from fhe court, Pieter Hartgers.
[ 1 05v] Court proceedings, February 22 Anno 1 652
Delivered to Mr Dyckman an extract from the deed of con
veyance of the colony dated August 6, Anno 1631.
Also, a copy of the grant by their High Mightinesses to dis
pose of the fiejf [by will], dated February 5, Anno 1641.
Mr Dyckman having once more proposed the question
whether we would consent and approve fo have the aforesaid
placards posted and published, the honorable director, in the
name of the board, has answered: " In no wise, as long as I
have a drop of blood in my body, unless you show me first an
authorization from their Hig'h Mightinesses or our honorable
masters." *
First Pieter Jacobsz 1 . , , ,
default T_u._ T -L-i; f "itcd on fachalf of fhe director

Johan

Director Slichtenhorst, plaintiff, against Jan Labatie and
Pieter Jacobsz, defendants.
The honorable plaintiff, by virtue of the agreement, demands
restitution of fhe patroon's cannon, loaned in good faith, or else
claims damages in the amount of fl. 225 for each piece plus law-
h}\ damages, because the plaintiff paid fhe board and wages of
Master Steven and Andries de Vos in making the gun carriages
and to give security therefor or submit to civil arrest.

^ In the margin is written : A copy hereof was shown to Mr. Johannes
Dyckman on Feb. 26, 1652.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 189

¦iA •, ,- "] Pieter Teunisz )
3d ctahons and I jj^J
failure to appear J an Van hJremen J

This is added
!'!, \ " *"! , They are therefore declared contumacious and
or tlie honorable .....
court, the I8th judgment is given against them by default," all sub-
December Anno ject to proper accounting.
Court proceedings, February 29 Anno 1652
Interrogatories drawn up for fhe examination of Gerardus van
Wencom, Hendrick Jansz Reur and Jan Bastiaensz
The honorable director asks the above named persons whether
they do not recollect having seen on the 8th of this month fhat
when Mr Dyckman, accompanied by five persons and his
assistant, appeared before the court, he brought wifh him info the
middle part of fhe house three soldiers, who were fully armed,
namely, with their side arms, two carrying muskets with lighted
fuses and one carrying a snaphance?
The deponents jointly declare as stated in fhe foregoing
article. Director Slichtenhorst protests and complains of violence com-
hiitted by Mr Dyckman's soldiers on New Year's eve in having
several times, contrary fo the ordinance, shot burning fuses on
the roof of the patroon's house and also on tlie house of the
director, which is covered wifh thatch, so that fhe fore part
of the house seemed ablaze and the director's son, in the intense
cold, was moved to spring naked out of bed to extinguish several
papers, and having therefore endangered not only the honorable
masters' house, property and papers, but more particularly some
people's lives. . . . [about two lines destroyed].
[106v] Secondly, the aforesaid director complains and pro
tests about great and notorious violence and maltreatment
received by his son on New Year's day last past af the hands of
Mr Dyckman and his soldiers, who suddenly grabbed him by
fhe hair and at the; same time struck him on the forehead so that
he fell down and in the presence of the aforesaid Dyckman not

190 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
only beat him black and blue, but dragged him through the mud
and mire and treated him inhumanly as if he were a criminal,
yes, struck his children wifh their guns and threatened to shoot
them, but were prevented from doing so. And that without any
reason or occasion therefor in the least, so fhat from this cruel
abuse of power a massacre might easily have resulted. And he,
Dyckman, encouraged his soldiers in their evil work, while they
thus inhumanly treated the director's son and his children, by
calling out aloud: "Beat him now and may the devil take
him! Likewise, the aforesaid director complains emd protests about
violence committed by Mr Dyckman in coming on the 8th of
February 1 652 with his six persons and three soldiers, armed with
guns with lighted match and side arms, at the time that the court
was in session, info the house of the honorable mcisters and into
another man's jurisdiction, of which the director was informed
and had knowledge only after the court had adjourned. And
whereas no one has a right to enter another's jurisdiction by force
of arms [107] except with the previous consent of the officer or
the commissioners of the court, this fends not only to the dis
paragement of the court, but also of the authority of our supreme
government, which is likewise represented here.
Furthermore, the director complains and protests against the
insults offered by Mr Dyckman on the 8th ditto in bringing his
assistant and fhe aforesaid persons into the court and ordering
him to sit down at the table and to make a note of everything that
he, Dyckman, proposed, against which Director Slichtenhorst
expressly protested, refusing to suffer it in any way and ordering
him to get out, as he did. And afterwards, fhe aforesaid Dyck
man again made him come in, against the aforesaid protest and
the order of the director, so that violence prevailed over justice.

^ [In the margin is written:] And when Dyckman was told that the
scandalous treatment of the director's children would be avenged, the said
Dyckman ordered his gunner, Pieter Jacobsz, to load his pieces with
[ball], saying that they would fire through the director's house, as the
«alid gunner Wiself confessed to the director and is well known to every

Court Mintdes, 1648-1652 191
[107v] Citations:
The honorable director causes Rutger Jacobsz and Jacob
Jansz to be arrested in the colony and to be cited to appear on
the 22d of this month on account of the crime committed against
the person of Albert, the carpenter.
23d ditto. Jan Thomasz causes Claes Uylespiegel <to be
arrested and cited.
Jan Thomasz claims that Claes Teunisz owes him fl.72.
Claes Teunisz admits the debt as above.
Jan Thomasz asks judgment or security for fhe amount af ore-

Qaes Teunisz promises by handshake before fhe director to
pay the aforesaid fl, .72 in good faith to Jan Thomasz within the
space of five weeks after this date, binding thereto his person and
prc^yerfy, according to law, for which he will give a note in due
fonm. {Jacob Jansz Stol and
Tt T 1
Kutger Jacobsz
TTiis day the director gave notice to Adriaen Huybertsz that
he must leave his farm on the first of May next.
[108] Extraordinary session, March 2 Anno 1652
Information taken by the director about Claesje, a negress,
being the slave of Sander Leendersz, accused of theft.
She declares that she stole fhe following goods from her
master and gave them to the following persons :
To Jan Michieilsz
He gave her an Two w'hifc blankets, taken by him from the
old undershirt .
J • J u garret
and promised tier ° _ i i • ir
. new Mie and 1 bundle of bar lead, which he took himself
a cap with lace. ^^j ^f ^^ ^.^Uar
2 bundles of combs, taken by him from fhe
room

192

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Catalyn Sanders
denies that she
loaned any candles
to him and adds
tliat he said that
the negress stole
them from her
and brought them
to her.

3 or 4 candles
Again 6 candles

She also declares
tfiat with tears in
his eyes and folded
hands he begged her
two or three times,
saying: " My dear
Catalyntje, forgive
me the wrong 1 have
done you,"
He also prayed de
Hoges to come sometime
to console him, as at
times he had a hard
struggle and suffered
great temptations.
This took place at
the house of Jan
Verbeeck . . . house,
on a ... afternoon
. . . [five or six
words destroyed].

He admits this, but says
twice three, which she
brought him.
The negress declares that Jan Michielsz
drew his knife and forced her to give him
fhe lead and also asked for mackerel and
beef.
Also to Jacob Luyersz, as follows:
3 yards of red cloth. He promised to take
her to the Manhatans and that she would
then get a husband.
1 tub of butter, taken by him, saying that he
bought if from her master, adding:
" Your mistress knows about it."
8 bars of lead
Also a handkerchief full of butter, fetched
by him on condition that she should take
it to the Manhatans.

;IPS;;

[108v] Court proceedings, March 7 Anno 1652
Cited af fhe request of the director:
Firstdefault Claes Braebander ^ and his servant
Rutger Jacobsz
Claes Gerritsz
Aert Jacobsz
Kees Schoester ^
Goossen Gerritsz

^ Claes Jansz from Bockhoven, in Brabant.
^ Cornelis Teunisz van Westbroeck.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 193
Jan Michielsz say that those who bring the aforesaid charges
against him, lie.
The director demands bail to the action against Jan Michielsz
within fhe space of eight days.
Jan Michielsz offers,to go to prison in lieu of bail.
Jacob Luyersz admits that the negress showed him a cap, but
denies that he gave her the cap. He acknowledges that the
negress openly accused him in the presence of Jacob Jansz
Stol and Philip Pietersz Scheuler.^ He says that he had no rea
son for taking the cap out of the negress' hands or for putting if in
his pocket, except that he was dejected in spirit.
The director demands bail as in fhe case of Jan Michielsz.
Jacob Jansz Stol declares that the negress in his presence said
to Jacob Luyersz that he had given her fhe cap in order fhat she
should keep still about the butter.
[109]^ Whereas Claes Jansz van Bockhoven, contrary to
the ordinance of October 16, 1648, renewed on November 23,
1 65 1 , out of spite, against the special prohibition of the director,
had his servant, for whom he is responsible, draw [wood] for
Lambert van Valckenburch, he is condemned to pay at once,
according to fhe ordinance, three guilders for each load. Actum
in Collegio, on fhe date above written.
Present :
Claes Jansz has satisfied this judgment Director B. V. SHchtenhorst
in the sum of sixteen guilders and ten A C i
.rivers, for which the director issued ^- ^an Uurler
and signed u receipt on the date above J. B. Van RenSSclacr
^""''°- Jan Verbeeck
Pieter Hertgers
To my knowledge, A. DE Hooges, Secretary

'^ Philip Pietersz Schuyler.
^The following lines are cancelled at the top of the page: Claes the
Braebander says that he will pay the full fine, if he gets a certificate signed
by the entire court, which he says he will then send to Mr. Stuyvesant.
7

194 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Having seen fhe replication of the director against Cornelis
Teunisz van Westbroeck, the same is put into fhe hands of fhe
opponent to make answer thereto without fail within two weeks
after this date.
[ 1 09v] Court proceedings, March 1 4 Anno 1 652
Cited by the director : Claes Gerritsz.
Pieter Hertgerts causes Teunis Dircksz to be cited.
Goossen Gerritsz causes Jacob Lambertsz, shoemaker, to be
cited. Teunis Dircksz releases and discharges Pieter Hertgerts from
his obligation as surety for the patroon's interest as to the purchase
of the brewery in the Grenen Bos.
Extraordinary session, March 1 6 Anno 1 652
Hendrick Westerkamp says that at the request of Commissary
J. Dyckman he made an affidavit concerning the former brick
yard, a little south of the first kill, in which he declared that the
same belonged to the company and that they had a small house
there. Extraordinary session, March 1 9 Anno 1 652
Whereas Johannes Dyckman, commissary of Fort Orange,
and his adherents by forcible means have ventured fo enter the
jurisdiction of the colony of Rensselaerswyck and to erect [three]
several boundary posts, without serving notice thereof on the
court, fhe court messenger is ordered to demand in fhe presence
of the accompanying witnesses [110] by what order and author
ity Mr Dyckman has undertaken to commit this trespass on the
colony. And in default of any authority from their High Might
inesses, we are in honor and by virtue of our oath, in the name of
our honorable masters, bound to have the said posts removed and
taken away from their places, protesting before God Almighty
and their High Mightinesses aforesaid against the trespass and
public violence fhat has been committed and demanding reparation

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 195
of all loss and damage and calamities which have already resulted
or may hereafter result therefrom.
Sent to Mr Dyckman : A copy of the above resolution.
Secondly, a short memorandum and deduction, dated
March 19, 1652.
Thirdly, an answer fo the positive questions of March 1 6
and 18, 1652.
The court messenger reports that he delivered fhe aforesaid
writings to Mr Dyckman in the presence of Sander Leendersz
and Jan Thomasz, requested fo act as witnesses thereto, and that
he replied that he would answer them this evening.
[llOv] Court proceedings, March 21 Anno 1652
Upon the petitions of Jan Michielsz and Jacob Luyersz it is
resolved :
Serves for apostil: The negress of Sander Leendersz first
made known or gave publicity to the matter, whereupon, being
examined by us, she declared as is known to the petitioners, to
which declaration they are hereby referred.
Upon the petition of Thomas Chamber it is resolved:
Serves for apostil: The petitioner shall receive what is due
him according to the contract.
Extraordinary sessions, March 22 Anno 1 652
By the director the follovv'ing were summoned to appear before
the court:
Sander Leendersz
Catalyn Donckesz, his wife
Egbert Dojesz, their servant
Catalyn and Egbert declare that Commissary Dyckman on
March 21 , [ 1 652] , came to the house of Sander Leendersz and
asked whether fhe [negress was] theirs? Answered, Yes.
Whereupon he answered: " [She must go with me to the Fort;
she has slandered [honest] people and the case is not [being

196 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
prosecuted."] Catalyn replied: "Not without the consent of
my husband." The commissary said: " I shall make her come
and have soldiers get her." Thereupon Sander [111] was asked
to come home by his servant, being af that time at the house of
Willem Fredericksz. Coming home, Sander Leendersz asked
Commissary Dyckman what he wanted? , He said he wished to
take the negress with him. Sander Leendersz asked:" For what
reason? " The commissary replied: " Because she has slandered
honest people and the case is not prosecuted." Sander Leendersz
said: " Mons'- Dyckman, not this evening, but come to-morrow,
we shall then see what we can do." Whereupon Mons'- Dyckman
angrily replied: "If you refuse me, I have the power to take you
and your wafe and your whole family and to ruin your house and
to shoot if to pieces, for you dwell on the Company's ground."
Whereupon Sander answered: " I have nothing fo do with you;
I can not give allegiance to another lord before I am released
from the first." The commissary said: " Wait, waif, until Mr
Stuyvesant comes up the river; then I will teach you differently."
Sander replied: "When Mr Stuyvesant comes up the river, I
may perhaps have as much right as you have." Whereupon the
commissary drew his rapier and threatened to run said Sander
through, so that Sander in defending himself was stabbed.
Thereupon the commissary went to fhe fort. Sander Leendersz
declares also that the same day he was by order of Commissary
Dyckman summoned by Huybert de [Guyt] fo come to fhe fort
[ 1 1 1 v] . On entering the fort, Sander Leendersz said: " Good
morning Mons'- Dyckman, what is your pleasure?" Whereupon
he answered : " I arrest you here in the fort. I understand that
you have two commissions." Sander replied: "That is true,
in fact, I have three of them, one from Mr Kieft, deceased, one
from Mr Stuyvesant and one from the honorable masters of the
colony." They jointly declare by true words and handshaking
with the honorable director, instead of an oath, fhat all this took
place as stated. Dated as above.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 197
March 25 Anno 1652
Philip Pietersz Scheuller declares that Mr Dyckman said to
him on the 20fh of this month that when Mr Stuyvesant came
up the river and he did not care to see it,' he should see to it that
he was not present, or go down the river., And Philip Pietersz
asking: Why?, he replied that he would not have his father-in-
law very long and that he, Dyckman, had written information
to that effect.
Philip Pietersz Scheuller and Robert Vasterick declare that
it occurred on New Year's day, 1 652, that when, as more fully
stated before, a soldier was scandalously beating the honorable
director's son^ and dragging him over the ground in the fort and
fhey, fhe deponents, as far as fhey could were trying to prevent
it, the commissary [112] threatened to mn them through if they
dared to interfere.
Catalyn Donckesz declares that Mr Dyckman, on fhe 21st of
this month, said to her at her house fhat a gallows was being
built for three persons and fhat upon her query for whom, he
replied: "For Mr Slichtenhorst, his son and J. B. van Rens-
1,, aer. They, [the deponents], by handshake and true words,
instead of an oath, have severally declared that the
above took place as stated.
Which I certify,
A. DE Hooges, Secretary
March 30 Anno 1652
The honorable director states fhat he and his son went this
morning wath the order granted [by the court] fo fhe house of
Comelis Segersz fo receive fhe outstanding debt due to the
honorable masters, but that Comelis Segersz refused to deliver
it, yes, what is more, that the loft door was nailed tight, about
which the honorable director highly complains and protests.

^ Meaning, the arrest, or execution, of Director van Slichtenhorst,
Schuyler's father-in-law.
^Gerrit van Slichtenhorst.

198 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
[ 1 1 2v] Extraordinary session, March 30 Anno 1 652
This date Whereas Director Slichtenhorst by virtue of his
defendant officc and his oath, upon a warrant and order from
in court. the honorable commissioners v/ent this morning with
his people to the house of Cornelis Segersz to get a
little grain from the defendant's loft in part pay
ment of his large debt, offering to give the defendant an acquit
tance therefor, and the said defendant, contrary to fhe order,
refused to deliver the grain to the plaintiff and nailed the loft
door tight, so that fhe plaintiff was not master of his promised
grain and own ground and the defendant obeyed others more
than his lawful authorities, wholly contrary to the oath taken
by him; therefore, the plaintiff demands that the defendant shall
not only be condemned to deliver his threshed grain wafhin twice
24 hours on the plaintiff's loft, as is customary, but that the
defendant shall remain under arrest until such time as fhe
defendant has delivered to the plaintiff the threshed and
unthreshed grain, and that in addition he shall be arbitrarily
punished as an example to others. All cum expensis of this
extraordinary session, of which the defendant is the sole cause,
having treated the order of the honorable court wath contempt.
[113] Cornelis Segersz is hereby ordered by the
This 1 read court within the space of four days after this date to
Segersz rcmovc and bring one hundred and fifty schepels of
in court. wheat fo the loft of Gysbert Comelisz from Weesp,
under penalty of ten guilders for each day that he
remains in default. And the aforesaid grain is fo
remain at the place aforesaid until the accounts on both sides
shall have been delivered and judgment in the matter shall have
been pronounced by fhe court.
April 1, 1652, Sergeant Daniel Litschoo came by order of
Mr Stuyvesant into the house of the honorable masters, leaving
1 4 armed soldiers standing before the door, and asked Slichten
horst whether he was willing to take down the flag? Whereupon

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 199
Slichtenhorst answered. No, and that he had nothing to say here,
unless he first showed authority from our honorable masters and
their High Mightinesses. The sergeant replied : " Then I shall
get if." Against which Slichtenhorst strongly protested.
Likewise it appears that the sergeant and his 14 soldiers,
armed with loaded muskets, when they were outside the yard,
fired out of spite not only within fhe jurisdiction of the colony,
but also came within fhe enclosed place of the honorable masters
and by force hauled down the flag from the staff, against the
will, and consent of the director.
[113v] April 9, 1652
In accordance wifh the preceding resolution it is again resolved
that the honorable director, according to the account in Ledger
No. F, folio 12, shall pay to Adriaen Huybertsz three hun
dred and thirty-four guilders, fifteen and a half stivers,
(fl. 334-15-8).
By order of fhe honorable commissioners. To my knowledge,
A. DE Hooges
April 10, 1652
Pieter Rywerdingh having this day, without asking, posted a
placard ' on the honorable patroon's house, fhe honorable

^ According to E. B. O'Callaghan, History of New Netherland, 2:183
and J. R. Brodhead, History of the State of New York, 1 :535, this
placard was issued by General Stuyvesant while on a visit to Fort Orange
and contained a proclamation erecting in Fort Orange a Court of Justice
for the village of Beverwyck and its dependencies, apart from, and
independent of, that of Rensselaerswyck. The text of this proclamation
has not been preserved, but it is likely that it was the same proclamation
as that which under date of April 1 5 is referred to as having been drawn
up by the director general and council of New Netherland on the 8th of
that, month The minutes of the court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck
show that the members of the newly created court took the oath on April
10, 1652, and that the first session of the court was held on April 15,
the very date of the last entry in the record of the court of the colony
of Rensselaersvi^ck presided over by Van Slichtenhorst.

200 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
director protested against it, whereupon the aforesaid Rywer
dingh answered fhat whatever came of if fhe Hon. General
Petrus Stuyvesant would make good.
April 15 Anno 1652
We, the undersigned, declare that on this date Pieter Jacobsz
tore down a certain placard of fhe court of this colony, which
was affixed to the house of Gysbert Comelisz.^
This declare: Mons'- J. B. van Rensselaer, Johan van Twiller
and Hendrick Jansz Reur.
We declare that on this date Pieter Ryverdingh, court mes
senger of Fort Orange, posted on the house of fhe honorable
patroon a [proclamation] ^ drawn up on the 8fh of this month by
the director general and council of New Netherland, against
which a protest was made by the director of this colony, who
thereupon tore it down, as well as the counterpart thereof affixed
to fhe house of Gysbert aforesaid.
Attested by the honorable director,
Mons'- J. B. van Rensselaer and Hendrick
Jansz Reur.

^ Gysbert Cornelisz, the tavemkeeper.
"This word is omitted in the text. See preceding note.

APPENDIX
The following inventory of effects taken at the house of Brant
Aertsz van Slichtenhorst in 1652, and fhe debit and credit
account of his administration of the colony of Rensselaerswyck,
1648-1650, form part of the documents which were submitted
by Van Slichtenhorst as exhibits in his suit against Johan van
Rensselaer and the copartners of the colony. They are bound
at fhe beginning of a volume of about 300 pages, marked:
" N 15.3.2 Renselaer C*- V. Slichtenhorst," which is deposited
in fhe Rijksarchief in the province of Gelderland, at Arnhem,
and which contains the documents in the suit instituted by Van
Slichtenhorst in the Landgericht of fhe Veluwe and in fhe case
of appeal of Van Rensselaer against Van Slichtenhorst before
the Klaarbank at Engelanderholt.
Both documents are printed in Dutch as appendices XI and
XII to Mr G. Beemink's biography of Dr Arend van Slichten
horst and his father Brant van Slichtenhorst, which forms No. 1 2
of fhe Werken of the historical society " Gelre."

I
INVENTORY
Copy Inventory of all the effects, contracts, bills of sale, both old
and new, and the accounts of fhe colony as to receipts, disburse
ments and the animals, for each year separately, of fhe entire
colony, which at fhe time of Director Slichtenhorst's arrest in
tiie year 1 652 were' left at the office in the custody of the young
patroon Renselaer or afterwards turned over to him:
1 Two fables, one in the front room and the second where
communion service is held
2 Two iron chains, or pothooks
3 A baking trough 201

202 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
4 Two scales with several weights
5 Four old andirons
6 Two curtains, a small rug before fhe bedstead and another
before the fireplace
7 Three or four old chairs
8 A small brew kettle with a narrow neck, obtained in the
Greenenbos
9' A brass-bound schepel measure in the brewery which was
and still is in the Grenenbos
1 0 Some stones lying in the yard which came from Rensselaers-
feyn
1 1 A book called de Inleydinghe van de Hollandsche rechts-
geleerdheid ^
1 3 ^ All the books of Mr Korler and also of De Hoges, received
by the said Director
14 Cornelis Maessen's account and inventory of his undivided
estate, and fhe agreement [of the purchasers?] that they
accept the land at the Manhatans for the purchase money
16 Also the court record and several ordinances, kept and
issued by Slichtenhorst
1 7 An obligation of Roelof Cornelissen, for which Van Essen
is surety, of the 7th July 1 646
18 An obligation of Dom. Bogardus, dated July 9, 1647
19 A writ of attachment of money due to Broer Cornelis by
Captain Blaeuvelt
20 An obligation of Evert Pels, dated May 15, 1650
21 The copy of the contract of sale of the brewery, dated
March 7, 1650
22 The inventory of Quiryn Cornelissen's incumbered estate
23 Slichtenhorst's account book of the colony, in which he
settled with every one in presence of Mr Renselaer
24 Slichtenhorst's account of receipts and disbursements

^ " Introduction to Dutch Jurisprudence," a famous book by Hugo
Grotius, of which many editions have appeared.
" Items 1 2 and 1 5 do not appear.

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 203
25 Copy of Slichtenhorst's contract with the honorable guardians
[of the, young patroon], executed [at Amsterdam] on
November 10, 1646
26 Two ordinances of Mr Stuvesand of the year 1 652
27 A resolution of the Director and Council at the Manhatans,
or answer which Slichtenhorst and the magistrates of the
colony received upon their petition for the release of their
Director
28 Declaration of Van Essen ^ regarding the two drowned
horses, together with a petition
29 A blue blank-book and an arithmetic
30 A petition of the colonists, after they had taken the oath ^
Underneath was written : These aforesaid documents I have in
part received from fhe hands of Mr Slichtenhorst and I know
where and in whose custody the others are.
Copy, marked K, among the documents of
the suit of Brant van Slichtenhorst vs.
Johannes van Rensselaer, 1656-61, in the
handwriting of Dr Arend van Slichtenhorst.
II
ACCOUNT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS BY BRANT VAN
SLICHTENHORST AS DIRECTOR OF THE COLONY OF RENS
SELAERSWYCK 1648-1650
A. Receipts
Brant van Slichtenhorst, director of the colony of Rensselaers
wyck, debits himself with the receipt of what the colony afore
said has produced during the period of his administration, as
follows :

^ Cornelis Hendricksz van Es, or van Nes. See minutes of the court of
the colony of March 4th, 1 649.
^Probably the oath taken on November 28, 1651. See minutes of
November 23, 1651, in this volume.

204 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
1 648 The grain received from fhe Vlackte, as
appears under A, amounting by bal
ance to fl. 115:12: 8
By tithes of Thomas Schamber,^ 16
schepels of wheat 40: — : —
1 649, May 1 7 By amount assigned by me to
Jan van Bremen, to be paid by Peter
Claes, as appears on fol. 80 266 : 3 : —
And 1650 inclusive, received from Rutger
Jacobs and Adryaen Huybers 895:14: —
Feb. 8 Received from Albert Andries 6:10 : —
April 27 Delivered by Thomas Jans 32
schepels of wheat, fl. 80; also 19
days' hauling for the patroon, at
fl. 5aday, fl. 95 175:—:—
Received from Teunis Cornelis 1 72 : 1 5 : —
Received from Cornelis van Nes 392 : 6 : —
May 12 Received from the guardians
of the children of the late Cornelis
Maess
Received from Cornelis Segers
Received from Jan Verbeeck
Received from Broer Cornelis
Received from Evert Pels
Received from Jacob Hevick
Received from Abraham Staas and
Pieter Hertgers 758:
Sold two mill stones for 320:
November 7 Sold an old cow to Jan Labatie for 70 :
ditto Sold an ox to Carel van Bruggen 44 :
Received from Jan Hagemans for the
right fo trade 48:

463

10:

923

17:

150

128

130

20

16: 8
Thomas Chambers.
Court Minutes, 1648-1652 205
From Goossen Gerrifs for one year's
rent of fhe brewery, from May 1 649
fo May 1650 450:—:—
For the patroon's dues, one guilder on
every fun 330: — : —
From Goossen Gerrifs for one year's
ground rent and right to trade, from
July 16, 1649, to date, 1650,
received four beavers 32: — : —
Received from Cornelis Cornelissen
Vos, as above, four beavers 32: — : —
From Cornelis Teunissen van Wijs-
broeck for two years' rent and fod
der, at 3 beavers a year 48 : — : —
By sale of 16 sheep to Mr
Stuyvesant fl. 208
By an order on Dominus
Megapolensis for the sale
of books 80 288:—:—

1648

and 1649

Sold to Hogers one cow for fl.

66

Also 2 cows @ fl. 40 each

80

Also 2 goats and 2 lambs

20

Also 2 window panes @

fl. 4-1 Ost' each

9

175:—:—
Sold to Steven Jans, carpenter, with
advice, 2 goats and 2 lambs for 20: — : —
By attachment of monies in the hands of
Nicolaas Coom, which were due fo
Hans Vos 51 : — : —
Received from Henrick Backer 30: — : —

* Stivers.

206 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Jan Thomas and Volckert
Jans have furnished 1 1 8
lbs. nails for the barn of
Jan Berents @ 10 st. fl. 59
Also 5 rapier blades at
fl. 2-10 each 12:10
 71:10:—
Sander Lenerfs has paid by an order
on Andries Herberts 50: — : —
Received from Steven Jans,
carpenter, 98 boards @
16 St. each 78: 8: —
1 4 more @ 1 8 st. each 12:12 : —
 91:—:—

For 30 rapier blades, which were broad,
rusted and not merchantable, pre
sented to the [Indian] chiefs, valued
af one guilder each, amounting to 30: — : —
Received from Cornelis Segers 200
schepels of wheat, by attachment of
what was due there to Adriaen van
der Donck 500:—:—

fl. 7319:12:

B. Disbursements
The following is fhe account of disbursements out of the afore
said funds, during the years 1648, 1649 and 1650
Paid to Dominus Megapolensis toward
settlement of his account fl. 2997: 8: —
Paid to Hoges 1365:—:—
For making and covering a hay barrack
on the farm of Teunis Cornelissen, 4
beavers 32: — : —
For purchase of fhe kill called Papena-
kick and expenses, disbursed and paid 264: — : —

Court Minutes, 1648-1652
The purchase and expenses of Kastil
[Katskil]^
The purchase of Klaverrack ' amounts to
1 648, August 4 Presented to the chiefs of fhe
Maquas of the three casUes
Came short on the claim of
the Maquas, anno 1648 fl. 225
and anno 1649 |00

Expenses incurred on account
of the Indians Anno 1 648 400
In the year 1649 200
In the year 1650 100

For damage suffered through lack of
use of fhe garret and the cellar, con
trary to my contract, and caused by
Vasterick and his family {de siin-
nen) for which compensation must be
made to me
Paid to Andries Herberts
Paid to Frederick Lubberts for freight
of ten barrels of lime
Paid to Evert Duyckingh^ for window
panes
To skipper Reynert Pieter Beth for
bringing the panes up the river
Paid to Abraham Pieters, carpenter,
for wages, counting in his board

207
1239: 4:—
653: 9:—
125:—:—

325:—:—

700:—:

JUU: — : —
200: :

28: :

44: :

3:10:

138:12:

^ April 19, 1649.
= May 27, 1649.
^ Mr. Beernink, p. 1 67, states that Evert Duyckingh, at the end of
his account, offered to burn coats of arms or marks in glass. He was,
therefore, probably the man who made the window panes with the arms
of the Van Rensselaer, Schuyler and other families that were placed in
the church buiU in 1656.

208 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Paid to Roelandt Savery for setting
panes
Paid to Abraham Staas
by order of fhe
honorable guardians fl. 139: 5: —
Paid him on account of
the patroon 26 : 1 3 : —

37: 5:—

165:18:

To Dirck Jans, carpenter, for mason-
work^ including his board 9:10 : —
Paid fo Hans Vos for his services as
court messenger for about a year and
for wages and board 790 : 5:12
Paid to Rutger Jacobs for taking the
wife and children of Dominus Mega
polensis and their effects to the Man
hatans 20: — : —
Paid fo Frederick Lubbertsen for taking
Dominus Megapolensis and his son
and chest from the colony to the
Manhatans 30:—:—
Paid to Frederick Lubberts for [pas
sage of] the Dominus who had come
here to hold divine service, etc. 8: — : —
Paid to Steven Jans,
carpenter, for annual
wages until August
13, 1650 fl. 544:13: 8
and for board 137: — : —
 681:13: 8

According to resolution of the court,
dated November 15, 1649
To Jan de Kaper for bringing Steven
Jans, carpenter, together wifh his
wife, child and baggage up the river 20: — : —

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 209
Paid to Jacob Hey for
500 single [nails] @
fl. 1 :4 the hundred fl. 6:— :—
and 200 double [nails]
@ fl. 2:8 4:16:—

10:16:—

Paid to Adriaen Bloemaert 100 lbs.
double sunddel [solder, or floor?]
nails 4 beavers @ fl. 8 32 :  : 
Paid fo Jan Appel for 70 lbs. of nails
3 1/2 beavers 28:  : 
Jan Appel has also delivered to Pieter
Teunissen 1 0 lbs. of nails, fo Teunis
Cornelissen 20 lbs. ditto, together 30
lbs., for which was paid 12: — : —
Paid to Jan Labatie, for making a bak
ing trough, hanging the doors of the
court yard {plaats) of the patroon,
and expenses 7: — : —
Also paid to Jan Labatie for nails fur
nished to Jan van Bremen at Beth
lehem, two beavers 16: — : —
Paid fo Nicolaes Coorn for 300 nails
@ fl. 1 :4 the hundred 3:12:—
Paid to Albert Andriessen for four
hemlock timbers 1 : — : —
Paid to Willem Fredericksen and Her
man Bastiaens for making two cots,
of which one was spoiled 6: — : —
Paid fo Reyer Stoffels for altering three
iron chimney anchors and for nails 1 : 6: —
Paid to Andries de Vos for two days'
wages for work in fhe cellar and
board 7 : — : —

210

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Paid to Beernt Gerrifs for
8 1/2 days' wages for
work in the cellar and
on fhe upper roof @
fl. 1:10a day fl.
and for 8 1/2 days'
board

12:15:

8:10:

To Jacob Hevick

for

15 1/2 days'

Iab(

>r in

the cellar @
fl.
2 a
day
fl.
31:
and for board
15;
;10:
To Huybert Jansz. for bringing 69
schepels of oafs on board for Dom.
Megapolensis and fo Carsten Car-
stens for measuring, together
In 1648 and 1649, until 1 1 April
1650, Thomas Jansz. has
hauled clay, dirt and lumber
for 1 9 days af fl. 5 a day 95
and board 19
To Jan Berents for 1 0 days' haul
ing as above at fl. 5 a day 50
and for board 1 0
To said Jan Berents for [work on] the
new buildings
Paid to Jan Smith for 44 days'
labor at fl. 1:1 0 — a day 66
51 days' board 51
21: 5:—
46:10:
114:
60:—:
202:—:
117:—:—
Court Minutes. 1648-1652 211
Paid to Jacob Aryaens for a wheel
barrow 6:  : 
Paid for a ladder 2:10: 
For my extra trouble and writings
against Pieter Stuyvesant regarding
the buildings in the Byeenivoninghe 250: — : —
Paid to Gerrrit van Wencom for copying
all the writings six times at fl. 5 each 30: — : —
For firing by order of the honorable
guardians upon the arrival of fhe
Hon. General in 1 648 a salute of six
guns and on his departure three, for
which, with the cleaning of the gun,
was used 24 lbs. of powder @ fl. 2
the pound; also three days' board of
Jan van Bremen and Hans Jans from
Rotterdam, together 54: — : —
Paid by order of the guardians to a
squaw whose corn was eaten by the
patroon's horses 7: — : —
To 4 beavers sent by Rutger Jacobs
for 2000 bricks from the north for fhe
chimney and for the freight, together 35 : — : —
Paid for 2 reams and 4 quires of paper 29: — : —
Paid for locksmith's work 1 1 :16: —
For 5 hatchets 9:10:—
For covering 4 sashes with
cloth 3:12:—
 24:18:—

1 648, September 1 4 Af the leasing of 6 lofs
paid in premiums to the highest
bidder in cash, as appears from the
minutes 32 : 1 0 :

2 1 2 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
Paid to Gysbert Cornelissen, innkeeper,
for tavern expenses at the leasing and
for wine for communion service, the
toll on which is due to the patroon 1 76 : 6 : —
Paid to Abraham Staas for two large
locks for the ankle shackles, one
beaver 8: — : —
To 4 1 /2 schepels of wheat sent to the
fatherland 11:5 : —
Paid fo Jan, the boy of Comelis Segers,
for hunting up the patroon's boat
which the savages had stolen 1:10 : —
Paid for fhe purchase of the house of
Jan van Bremen, now situated on the
farm of Jan Berents 327: 8: —
To commission paid for the sale of the
brewery 23 : — : —
1 648 and 1 649 To the sons of Cornelis Segers
for 3 days' hauling of heavy logs
with four horses and for board 6 : — : —
Paid June 15, 1649, upon order
on the part of the patroon for
ransom of a French Christian 56
and anno 1650 for another
French Christian 6
 62:—:—
1 650, January 3 1 Paid in commissions at fhe
leasing of the farms of Jan [van]
Bremen and Cornelis Cornelissen and
the sale of the two mill stones 47: — : —
ditto, April 14 Paid to Christoffel
Davits in settlement of de Hoges'
account 6 : — : —
To Rem Jansen, smith, for ironwork for
the patroon's house 27: — : —

Court Minutes. 1648-1652 213
By order of the court arrested Dirck
Henricks, Claes Andriessen and
Jacob Henricks, whereof the director
has handed in a specified account of
expenses Claes estimated at 1 04 : 1 4 : —
EHrck at 118:10:—
 223: 4:—

For the reimburstment of which
expenses security has been
given.,
Paid to Vasterick for
Dirck Henricks 1 1 5 : — : —
and for a hat 1 4 : — : —
Whereas the said Dirck by a judg
ment of the hororable court was
ordered to go to Katskill in the
service of fhe patroon, it follows that
fhe director must be reimbursed for
the monies advanced by him with
interest 129: — : —
In the wanfer of 1650 fire broke out
three times in the patroon's chimney
and was attended with great danger.
The expenses of extinguishing the fire
and bricking up the holes amounted to 27 : — : —
Sent to the patroon 64 beavers @ fl. 8 512: — : —
Paid to Claes Tyssen according to the
judgment and receipt 200: — : —
To Gerrit van Wenkom for his services
as lieutenent-schout (deputy sheriff) ,
for 2 years, at fl. 300 a year 600: — : —
Whereas the guardians promised Slidh-
tenhorst by contract a free dwelling
as van Curler has had heretofore, but

214 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
others instead of Slichtenhorst have
enjoyed this and he therefore has had
no free dwelling, but a very unfree
{onvrye, i.e., without any privacy)
and forlom house and small barn, he
reckons that he has thereby suffered
yearly a loss and damage of more
than fl. 1 50, amounting in three years
to 450:—:-
There is also due to Slichtenihorst for
extra pay and all his expenses 309: — : —
Due also fo Slichtenhorst for expenses
on account of colonists and gentlemen
who come and go and entertainments,
yearly fl. 200, in three years 600: — : —
Due to me for extra trouble and writings
on account of Adriaen van der
Donck 250:—:—
Also for writmgs, trouble and expenses
in connection with proceedings against
Michiel Jansen 200: — : —
Due to Gerrit van Wenkom for copying
all fhe foresaid writings six times @
fl. 5 each 30:—:—
Slichtenhorst is by virtue of his contract
entitled to 4 milchcows at fl. 20 a
year, which cows he, Slichtenhorst,
has used not for his own benefit, but
largely for that of the lord patroon, to
occupy the vacant farms, in order
thus to keep out the savages as far
as possible, the more so as the savages,
one after the other, even took posses
sion of the empty houses; amounts in
three years to 240 : — : —

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 215
Also for fhe promised horses at fl. 30
a year, in three years 180: — : —
Also for 4 morgens of arable land at
fl. 20 a year, amounting in three
years to 240: — : —
Also for loss of 4 morgens of pasture at
fl. 1 0 a year each and the increase of
cattle, amounting in three years to 1 20 : — : —
Also the late rumors, called the Maquas
war, cost me in addition to other
large presents 159: — : —
Also fo expenses connected with the
arrest of William Juriaens, assessed
by the honorable court according to
fhe declaration at 118: — : —
Paid in specie for five captured wolves,
according to fhe ordinance 24: — : —
Whereas the Director was commissioned
in writing to go to the Manhatans
about three matters conceming in fhe
highest degree the jurisdiction of the
lords patroons, the total charges for
the trip are 131 : 2: —
To balance of accounts of Jan van
Twiller, for money advanced fo
Frederick Lubberts. Also for 23
weeks' board, which, being called
upon fo pay the same before his
depar^fure, he said in the presence
of all the magistrates would be paid
by the patroon. Also for 8 schepels
or oats, amounting in all to fl. 160,
against which there is credited to him
fl.27, so that there is still due to me 133: — : —

216

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Whereas the seawan was reduced in
value af the Manhatans, to wit, from
six to eight [beads] for one stiver, I
stated in a memorial to the honorable
court fhat, as I had a considerable
quantity on hand, I could not afford
the loss. July 23, 1650, I was by
decision of the court, referred to the
patroon, the amount allowed being
Still due per cash account
1650, 28 Sept. Presented to the principal
chief of the third castle who came to
see us according to his custom:

For clouts
Four knives
Four awls
A few days' board

Whereas I have had more than a hun
dred sleighloads of manure drawn
into the patroon's garden and kept
the clapboard fence around the yard
in repair af my own expense, and
my contract provides fhat the ex
penses are to be charged to the
patroon and the same has cost me
me at least one hundred guilders,
there is due
The amount of salary which according
to the contract must be paid here in
this country is fl. 750 a year, amount
ing for three years, to wqf from March
22, 1 648, to ditto 1 65 1 , to

310: 4:
1408: 5:

10:16: —

100: — :—

2250:—:—

Total amount due

fl. 21118:14:12

Court Minutes, 1648-1652 217
From this is to be deducted the receipts
specified above 73 1 9 : 1 2 : 

Net amount due fl. 13799: 2:12
This date, the 20th of January anno
1 65 1 , the above account vj^&s ex
amined by fhe commissioners of the
colony of Renselaerswyck, whio
found the disbursements to amount
to fl.21118:14:12
The receipts 73 1 9 : 1 2 : 

So that there remains due fl. 13799:2:12
Thus done in accordance with the instmctions of the commis
sioners and of the Hon. Director Brandt van Slichtenhorst, dated
the 4th of September Anno 1 647.
Done at Renselaerswyck, on the date above written.
Was signed: Antonius de Hooges, Secretary and
Commissioner
A. van Curler, Commissioner
Being asked for information in regard to the above account,
Arent van Curler wrote on September 1, 1659, to Johan van
Rensselaer as follows:^
Dear Sir and worthy cousin :
Salute! There being a time for everything, this opportunity
presents itself, which I do not wish to let pass. As to Slichten
horst, of whom your honor writes that he obtained a judgment
for some thousands on the basis of ifhe account of about 1 3,000
guilders whidh the late De Hoges and I are said to have signed,
I think it is tme that we signed it, but that we approved it, non
credo. Why is no attention paid to our way of signing it?
Owing to fhe length of itime that has passed, I have for
gotten the circumstances, but (under correction) it seems to me

^The Dutch text of the letter is printed on p. 245-46 of Mr. Beer-
nink's biography of Van Slichtenhorst.

218 Colony of RensselaersTvyck
and my recollection is that we examined the accounts and the
vouchers and found the receipts to be so much and the disburse
ments so much, but as to having signed, approved and ratified
the same, I trust we did not, as the commission of the commis
sioners gives them power to examine and discuss the director's
accounts provisionally, but the approval must come from the
patroon and the co-directors.
Miinheer, mon cousin.
Your willing cousin and servant,
Was signed: A. van Curler

INDEX

Accounts, to be rendered by colon- Amsterdam fair, no

ists, 63, 146
Adriaensen, Gysbert, attacked by
Comelis Segersen, 88, 89
Adriaensen, Jacob, the wagoner, see
Aertsen, Jacob, the w^agoner
Adriaensen (Aryaensen), Jacob,
wheelwright, fighting, 59, 86;
denies fighting, 63; attempt to pre
vent director from making arrest,
64, 66 ; summoned, 64, 86, 155 ; first
default, 64; to give security for
judgiment, 65 ; surety, 65, 69, 91 ;
case to Ibe decided by referees, 65 ;
attachment against, 86; fined, 92;
examined as to fight at house of
Steven Jansen, 133; fighting with
Kettelheym, 140
Adriaensen, Maryn, schepen, 8
Adriaensen, Rtrtger, see Arentsen,
Rutger
Ael, Blancke, 85
Aertsen, Aert, see Otterspoor, Aert
Aertsen (Adriaensen, Aryaens),
Jacob, the wagoner, to serve out
term with Evert Pels, 25; entered
another man's service, 25 ; court
order concerning, 26; wages at
tached, so; attempt to prevent
director from making arrest, 64,
65, 66 ; summoned, 64, 175 ; to give
security for judgment, 65 ; surety
for, 6S, 69, 91 ; case to be decided
by referees, 65; fined, 92; testifies,
97; debt,' 175; cited Evert Pels,
17s; accounts, 211; mentioned, 51
Albany, 18; Van Slichtenhorst's
claim as founder, 13, 21, 22; pa
troon's office, 24; fair at, in
Albertsen, Hendrick, ferry master,
13s ; Stol to carry out contract
with patroon, I34, I35, I44; men
tioned, 49
Albertsen, Willem, see Blaeuvelt,
Captain Willem Albertsen
Amersfoort, 14

Andriessen, Albert, money due to
from Jan Reyersen, 67; money due
from Quiryn Cornelissen, 67 ; state
ment concerning Maquas, 127; ac
counts, 204, 209
Andriessen, Arent, 35, 89, 127
Andriessen, Claes, from Hilversom,
44; ordered to fulfil contract of
service, 82; accused of fighting, 94;
taken into custody, 108; confession,
109; attacked by Lambertsen, no;
case adjourned, in; promises to
give no cause for complaint, in;
fined, 113; questioned regarding
fight at house of Steven Jansen,
133 ; money due to, 135 ; attacked
by Stol, 137; forbidden to molest
Hans Vos, 139; complaints about,
177 ; accounts, 213 ; mentioned, 138
Andriessen (Driessen), Hendrick, at
tacked by Claes Andriessen, 109;
summoned, 134; dispute with Flod
der, 160; sued by director, 72
Andriessen, Jan, from Dublin, state
ment on killing animals, 144
Appel, Jan, see Louwrensen, Jan
Arentsen, Rutger, summons Cornelis
sen, 163, 164
Aryaensen, Jacob, see Adriaensen,
Jacob
Aryen (Adriaen), the servant of
Cornells Vos, I77> 178, 181; surety
for, 180
Attorneys at law, lack of, 156
Barentsen, Jan, see Wemp, Jan
Barentsen
Barentsen, Thys, de'bts, 167; granted
delay, 167; money dvie to, 168;
cited, 180, 182
Bastiaensen, Harmen, case referred
to arbitrators, 30; sued by director,
31, 67; attempt to prevent director
from making arrest, 64, 66; reply
to complaint of director, 69; to act

[219]

220

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

(Bastiaensen, Harmen — Continued
as referee, i6o; house, 182; for
bidden by Mr Dyckman to erect
house, 186; accounts, 209; men
tioned, 141
Bastiaensen, Jan, examination of, i8g
Beeren Island, n, 169
Beernink, G. ; biographer of Van
Slichtenhorst, quoted, 13, 14, 15, 21,
22, 23, 207
Bentinck ten Berencamp, Joncker
Carel, 14
Bestval, Juriaen, summoned, 48, 96,
156, 174, 175, 176; transfer of
property to by Pels, 70; acknowl
edges signature to contract, 107;
surety for Gysbert Cornelissen,
108; property attached, 132, 139,
156, 174; farm of, 157; ordered to
pay debts, 175
Beth, Reynert Pieter, see 'Both, Rey
nert Pieter
Bethlehem, 97, 103, 135, 176
Beverwyck (Beverswyck), erected an
independent village, 18; court of
justice erected, 18, 23, 199; men
tioned, 19, 23
Blaeuvelt, Captain Willem. Albert-
sen, attacked, 178, 179, 180; cited
179, 180; judgment against, 181;
accounts, 202
Bloemaert, Adryaen, not to take
colonists to Manhattan without
director's consent, 88; accounts,
209
Bloemaert, Samuel, instructions re
ceived from, 131
Boer, Pieter de, see Jansen, Pieter
Bogardus, Anneke Jans, daughters,
S3
Bogardus, Rev. Everardus, 202
Bordingh, Claes, papers in suit
delivered to Van der Donck, 84
Bosie, Pieter, the Frenchman, sum
moned, 134; prosecuted for fight
ing, 184
Both (Beth), Reynert Pietersen,
skipper, so, 123, 207
Boundary posts, 194

Bout, Willem Fredericksen, Marten
Hendricksen ordered to pay, 31;
mark as witness, '74; surety for
Van der Donck, 82; summoned, 95,
96 ; sued by director, 154 ; to act as
referee, 160; summons de Vries,
163, 170; mark of, 172; accounts,
209; mentioned, 196
Brewery, 86, 87, 105, 151 ; contract of
sale, 202
Brick, Reyer Elbertsen to try manu
facture of, 181
Bridges, 141
Bronck, Pieter, dispute with Joost
Teunissen, 159; petition to have a
tavern, 162; cited Otterspoor, 176;
cited Thomassen, 182; money due
to, 182; mentioned, 113, 149
Burgher oath, 173
Byeenwoninge, use of term, 22-23;
ground around to be cleared of
underbrush, 168; mentioned, 90,
118, 141, 151, 211
Cannon, borrowed from patroon, 128 ;
court requests restitution of, 178,
186; answer to request, 187; resti
tution if demanded by Van Slich
tenhorst, 188
Capital punishment, only case of in
colony, 12
Carstensen (the Noorman), Carsten,
summoned, 85; garden, 134, IS7;
statements sworn to, is8; accounts,
210
Carstensen, Jan, reported attack on,
I3i> 138; sued by director, 154
Casteels island, 78, 102, 130; leased,
157
Catskill (Kastil, Katskil), settlement
of opposed, 106, 108, 116; land at
promised to certain persons, 183;
purchase and expenses of, 207
Chambers, Thomas, sued by director,
30; remarks about Qaes Tyssen,
31 ; ordered to start building house,
31; dispute about brandy, so; fight
ing with Kettelheym, 62, 139, 140;
fighting with Vos, 62; complaint

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

221

Chambers, Thomas — Continued
against, 98 ; to renew alliance with
Maquas, 129; animals shot by
savages, 144; right to use pastur
age without charge, 145 ; mill near
farm, 154; money in hands of at
tached, 157; cited, 162; complains
of Adriaen Dircksen, 163; may
hire another servant, 164; petition,
195; accounts, 204; mentioned, no
Christman, Andreas Johannis, placards
signed by, 187
Church, 75 ; staircase built on outside
of, 141 ; coats of arms in, 207
Claesen, Cornelis, see Segersen, Cor
nells
Claesje, a negress, 191
Claessen, Pieter, sued by director, 33,
43. 73; first default, 40; fined, 43;
to fulfil his contract of service, 47;
sumimoned, 48; claims unjust treat
ment by director, 43, 53 ; regrets
fusing slanderous language, 54;
surety for Van Es, 59; sued by
de Vos, 73; Hans Vos to watch
property, 74 , 105 ; house, barn and
hay barracks, 75 ; released from
bail bond, 76; ordered to let Jan
van Bremen have horses, 76; left
Rensselaerswyck, 82; money due
to, 84; accounts, 204; mentioned,
41, 42, 46, 53
Oaverack (Klaverrack), purchase,
207
Coats of arms, burnt in glass, 207
Coeymans, Barent Pietersen, see
Pietersen, Barent
Coeymans, Lucas Pietersen, see Piet
ersen, Lucas
Compeer, Tomes, see Higgins,
Thomas
Coninck (Keuningh, Koeninck),
Thomas, boy to be taken into serv
ice, 69 ; wife, mentioned, loi ; cited,
161, 162; ordered to pay for bull,
167
Constapel, see Herbertsen, Andries
Coorn (Koorn), Nicolaes, acted as
officer of the colony, 1 1 ; apostil on

Coorn (ICoorn), Nicolaes — Co»-
tinued
petition of, 26, 70; attachment of
money in hands of, 29; to render
statement of goods received, 29 ; at
tachment against ^ vacated, 32 ;
ordered to present accounts, 40, 72 ;
summoned in regard to slandering
Hans Vos, 61; notice served on,
72; money due to, 140; accounts,
205, 209
Cornelis, Aertje, 120
Cornelis, Broer, see Teunissen, Cor
nells, from Breuckelen
Cornelissen, Claes, summoned, 163,
164, 176, 177, 179; admits debts,
168; complaint against his brother
Gysbert, 177; fined, 178
Cornelissen, Cornelis, van Voorhout,
see Van Voorhout, Cornelis Cor
nelissen
Cornelissen, Gysbert (aen den
Berch), from Breuckelen, ordered
to deliver cattle, 76; animals from
his farm for Evert Pels, 81 ; surety
for, 107, 108; statement regard
ing Lambertsen, 142; cited, 176,
177, 179; acknowledges indebted
ness, 178; authorized to. draw logs,
181 ; mentioned, 142
Cornelissen, Gysbert, from Weesp,
tavemkeeper, summoned, 48 ; state
ment regarding Van Bremen and
Vos, 57; statement regarding
Indians, no; rent reduced, 124;
dispute with Philip Schuyler, 132,
133; granted a garden, 134; fight
ing at his house, 135, 140; drink
ing at his house, 136; attacked by
Stol, 137; lease of Casteels island,
157 ; garden, 181 ; Cornelis Seger
sen to deliver wheat to, 198;
placard on house torn down, 200;
accounts, 212; mentioned, 102, 106,
108, 109, 141, 158, 181
Cornelissen, Pieter, from Munnick
endam, commissioner, 10; referred
to arbitrators, jo

222

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Cornelissen, Quiryn (Cr^Ti), ac
counts, 26, 2y; released from con
finement, 28; service with Evert
Pels, 29; money due to, 35; first
default, 67 ; horse drowned, 67 ;
bond, 73 I farm, 95 ; land to be sold,
102; requests permission to erect
a saw mill, 169; inventory of
estate, 202 ; mentioned, 32, 58
Cornelissen, Roelof, 35; accounts, 73,
202
Cornelissen, Seger, summond, 134;
sued by director, 1521
Cornelissen, Teunis, ordered to pay
Marten Hendricksen, 31 ; farm,
104, IIS; house, 104; payments to
by Dircksen, 115 ; summond, 134,
162, 164, i6s, 179; denies shooting,
138 ; slandered by Dircksen, 151 ;
first default, 162 ; accounts, 204,
209 ; mentioned, 206
Court messenger, duties, SS ; ap
pointed, 159. See also Reur,
Hendrick; Vos, Hans
Court of Fort Orange and Bever
wyck, erected, 18, 199
Court of Rensselaerswyck, erected,
7; jurisdiction, 7, 9, 12; appeal
from, 7; organization, 16; main
settlement of colony taken out of
its jurisdiction, 18 ; consolidated
with court of Fort Orange, 19;
minutes connect with those of Fort
Orange court, 23 ; members in 1651,
157; bell to be rung when court
convenes, 173
Court records, extent of, 23 ; kept by
de Hooges, 24, 120; original title,
24; sent to Holland, 120; extracts
sent to Holland, 159; listed in Van
Slichtenhorst's inventory, 202
Craloo, fair at, in
Croaet, see Stevensen, Abraham
Croon (Kroon), Dirck Jansen, to
take the burgher oath, 182; house,
182 ; accounts, 208
Crynen (Quirynen), Comelis,
arrested, 35 ; money due to, 35 ; bond
signed by, 73; summoned, 73

Davits, Christoffel, attacked by Van
Bremen, 58; takes over Dirck
Hendricksen, 83 ; statement regard
ing a horse, 86; sues Fairfax, 90,
107 ; horse drowned, 91 ; taken into
custody, 91 ; land to be sold, 102 ;
sued by director, 107; to make
good loss of horse, 114; default
for failing to appear in court, 131 ;
summoned, 134, 140; attacked by
Kettelheym, 140; accounts, 212
Day of fasting and prayer, Slichten
horst's protest against order for, 30
De Caper (Kaeper), Jan, not to take
colonists to Manhattan without
director's consent, 88; took grain
to Manhattan, 147; accounts, 208
De Gooier (Gojer), Dirck, see
Hendricksen, Dirck
De Goyer, Peter, 103
De Guyt, see Jansen, Huybert
De Hooges (Hoogens), Anthony,
commissioner, 16; in charge of
colony, 17; secretary of the colony,
17; main body of record in hand
writing of, 24; assault on, 27;
sued by Van der Donck, 78;
decision on Van der Donck's wheat,
81 ; surety for wheat, 82 ; payments
to by Pels, 93 ; opinion regarding
loss of horse, 114; judgment re
garding horse certified by, 114;
protests regarding Van Slichten
horst's accounts, 114; letter to
Governor Stuyvesant, 117; exam
ination of seavran, 118; court
records in custody of, 120; at
tacked by Jeuriaensen, 122 ; investi
gation of authenticity of letter to
Vastrick, 125; attacked by Stol,
136;' decision regarding New Year
shooters, 138; insulted by Lambert
sen, 142; decision on dispute be
tween director and Stol, 145; to
act as attorney for Segersen. 156;
books, 202; accounts, 205, 206, 212;
signature, 33, 34, 30, 44, 55, 60, 61,
63, 6s, 67, 70, 74, 77, 80, 81, 83, 88,
92, 93, 94, 95, 97, loi, 112, 113,

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

22:

De Hooges (Hoogens), Anthony —
Continued
117, 118, 123, 125, 127, 128, 129, 132,
144, 158, 166, 167, 170, 172, 174,
180, 185, 186, 193, 199, 217; men
tioned, S4, 56, 57, 77, 78, 84, 85,
loi, IIS, 119, 130, 140, 157
De Key (Kay), Willem, dispute
about brandy, 50; dispute with
Segersen, 69; warrant of arrest,
69; statement by, 70; appearance
in court, 53; wife, 53
De Laet, Johannes, instructions re
ceived from, 131
De Princes, ship, wrecked, 79
De Reus, Gerrit Theussen, schepen,
8; mentioned, 36, 48
De Vos, Andries, office of raet held
by, 17; derogatory remarks about,
33; slandered by wife of Van Es,
44; Van Es not to molest, 57; in
junction served on, 57; servant,
57; pasonent for mill, 59; sues
Pieter Claessen, 73; surety for
Davits, 91 ; arbitrator in case of
Hevick, 99; stallion sold to, 100;
requests director to state charges
against brother-in-law, 143; ap
pointment as assistant to guardians
of orphans, 154; petition regarding
use of water and building mill,
154; accounts, 209; mentioned, 75,
188
De Vries, Adriaen Dircksen, com
plaint about, 163 ; acknowledges
signature to contract, 163 ; pun
ished, 164; released from confine
ment, 165; cited, 172; attacked by
Nolden, 172
De Vries, Cornelis, summoned, 163
Dircksen, Adriaen, see De Vries,
Adriaen Dircksen
Dircksen, Jan, see Van Bremen, Jan
Dircksen
Dircksen, Jan, the Englishman,
beaten by Claes (Jerritsen, 53 ; sued,
by Verbeeck, 131 ; mentioned, 28,
44, no, 113. See also Jan, the
Smith ' ¦¦'

Dircksen, Teunis, appointed as surety,
34; sued by director, 86, 145, 140,
149, 154; summoned, 87, 105, 116,
174, 187, 194; notice served on, 96,
108 ; to sell brewery, 105 ; grain
attached, 107; agreement with
director regarding land, 115; srtate-
ment regarding Lambertsen, 142 ;
punished and fined, 150, 152; or
dered shooting by night, 151 ;
slandered Teunis Cornelissen, 151 ;
surety for Jan Helms, 154; agrees
to answer director's complaint, 155 ;
cited Jacob Aertsen, 17s; releases
Pieter Hartgers from obligation as
surety, 194; mentioned, 142
Distillery, in Greenen Bosch, 167
Donckers, Catalyn, see Sanders,
Catalyn
Doussen, Harmen, not to take
colonists to Manhattan without
director's consent, 88
Doyssen (Dojesen), Egbert, servant
of Sander Leendertsen, 70; sum
moned, 134, 195
Driesen, Hendrick, see Andriessen,
Hendrick
Duyckingh, Evert, accounts, 207; of
fers to burn coats of arms in glass,
207
Dyckman, Johannes, to act as
referee, 170; signature, 172; cites
Uylenspiegel, 172, 173 ; request con
cerning wages earned by Jan
Weble, 173; delivers to court
Stuyvesant's writ of appeal, 174;
cites Van Voorhout, 175 ; timber
for house, 183 ; promised copies of
deeds of purchase and conveyance
of colony, 184; asks permission to
post placard in the colony, 184-85,
188; requested to return cannon,
186; placards presented by, 187;
answer to request for cannon
signed by, 187; extract from the
deed of conveyance of the colony
delivered to, 188; copy of grant by
their High Mightinesses delivered
to, 188; soldiers of, complaint of

224

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Dyckman, Johannes — Continued
violence committed by, 189; erec
tion of boundary posts, 194; dispute
with Leendersen about a negress,
195 ; remarks ^bout Van Slichten
horst, 197; mentioned, 183, 194
Eencluys, Hans Jansen, see Inckluis,
Hans Jansen
Elberts, Evert, 20
Elbertsen, Reyer, permitted to burn
brick, 181
Evertsen, Tys, statement regarding
Lambertsen, 142
Fair, iio-ii
Fairfax, Thomas, horse lent to, 86,
114; sued by Davits, 90; charges
against Davits, 91 ; fled from
colony to fort, 91 ; ordered to
furnish surety, 107; surety for, in
First kill (Rutten kill), 54
Flag of the colony, hauled down by
order of Director Stuyvesant, 198,
199
Flodder (Gardenier), Jacob Jansen,
mill, 27, 95 ; sued by director, 106 ;
complaint against Jansen, 108;
denies drinking, 108; submits dif
ferences to commissioners, 109 ;
buys lumber, 109; drinking, 139;
dispute with Hendrick Andriessen,
160; fighting, 180
Fonda, Gillis, 167
Fort De Hoop (Hope), 34, 39
Font Orange, dispute as to jurisdic
tion of territory around, 17, 185;
buildings around fort ordered torn
down, 18, 151 ; separate court for,
18, 199; inhabitants alarmed by
shooting in the Grreenen Bosch, 151
Francisco, Jan, 12
Fredericksen, Willem see Bout, Wil
lem Fredericksen
Furs, confiscated, 171
Fuyck, origin of name, 151 ; houses
torn down by soldiers, 151 ; men
tioned, 18, 23

Gardenier, Jacob Jansen, see Flod
der, Jacob Jansen
Gecommitteerden (Commissioners),
temporarily administer colony, 10;
duties, 10, 16 ; approved appointment
of J. B. van Rensselaer as magis
trate, 166
Gerechtspersonen (rechtsvrienden) ,
duties, 16
Gerret, the cooper, see Jansen, Gerrit
Gerritsen, Beernt, accounts, 210
Gerritsen, Claes, confesses wounding
Jan, the smith, 32; denies state
ment about trading beavers, 43;
quotes Ruth Jacobsen, 44; sued by
director, 48; given time to settle
account, 52 ; accused of beating Jan
Dircksen, 53 ; ordered to satisfy
judgment, 71, 164-165; pays no re
gard to sentence, 85; decision on
case submitted to referees, 127,
168; court records concerning, 159;
judgment concerning, 161 ; arrested,
162; cited, 162, 192, 194; money
due to, 163; complaint regarding
director, 164; statement by, 164;
referees chosen, 171 ; mark, 171
Gerritsen, Goosen, 16; office of raet
held by, 17; second default, 40;
urged to accept office of magistrate,
40 ; accepts magistrate's office, 41 ;
takes oath of fidelity as magistrate,
43 ; surety for Jacob Lambertsen,
in; opinion regarding loss of
horse, 114; examination of seawan,
118; permission to engage in tap
ping business, 123; discharged at
own request, 137; decision regard
ing New Year shooters, 138;
supervision of school, 174; mark
of, 174; cited, 192; cited 'Lambert
sen, 194; accounts, 205; mentioned,
102, 119
Glen, Sander Leendertsen, see Leen
dertsen, Sander
Gooier (Gojer), meaning of term,
138
Grasmeer, Rev. Wilhelm, 125

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

225

Greenem Bosch, 21, 64, 94, 105; resi
dence of Megapolensis, 32; houses
searched, 32; brewery, 151, 194;
shooting in, 151; distillery, 167;
brew kettle, 202
Grotius, Hugo, 202
Guyt, see Jansen, Huybert

Hageman (Haegeman), Jan, sum
moned, 83, 84; sued by director,
85; ordered sent away, 118; ac
counts, 204
Hans in Cluys, see Inckluis (Een
cluys), Hans Jansen
Hansen, Volckert, see Jansen,
Volckert
Hap, Jacob Jansen, see Stol, Jacob
Jansen
Harderwyck, 14
Harmensen, Marten, the mason, sued
by director, 72; no dealings with
private traders, 141
Hartgers (Hertgers), Pieter, office
of raet held by, 17; first default,
40; surety for return of horse, 53;
wife, S3; lease of land, 74; levy
on property, 87; attacked by Stol,
136; nominated as magistrate, 137;
to take oath of office, 140 ; admitted
as member of court, 143 ; fighting
¦with Dircksen, 152; witness, 156;
referee in case of Jan Thomassen,
188; cited Dircksen, 194; obliga
tion as surety, release of, 194; ac
counts, 204; mentioned, 157, 193
Helms (Helmsen), Jan, to receive
grain, 124; dispute with Jacobsen,
134; summoned, 134; fined, 137;
surety for, 148, 154; sued by
director, 154
Hendricksen, Cornelis, see Van Nes,
Cornelis Hendricksen
Hendricksen (Henricks) , Dirck.
from Hilversom, ordered to fulfil
contract of service, 82; taken over
by Christoffel Davits, 83 ; assault on
Van Bremen, 94; summoned, 107;
taken into custody, 108; horse
drowned by, 109, 114; charges
8

Hendricksen (Henricks), Dirck —
Continued
against Croaet, no; fighting, 114;
surety for, 115 ; ordered to Katskil,
115; complaint about, 138; injunc
tion served on, 139; accounts, 213
Hendricksen, Marten, see Verbeeck,
Marten Hendricksen
Hendricksen, Rmger, of Soest, ap
pointed schout, 7, 8; does not hold
office, 9; mentioned, 17
Henricks, Jacob, accounts, 213
Herbertsen (Herberts, Constapel),
Andries, surety for Thomas Fair
fax, in; wife, 119; fighting with
Stol, 135; to act as referee, 170;
signature, 172; accounts, 206, 207
Hertgers, see Hartgers
Hevick, Jacob, lease of house, 74;
mark of, 74; sued by director, 98;
examination, 98; decision of arbi
trators, 99; money due to, 104;
accounts, 204, 210
Hey, Jacob, accounts, 209 '
Higgins (Compeer), Thomas, shoot
ing during the night, 103 ; statement
on killing animals, 144; land at
Catskil, 183 ; mentioned, 102
Hoofd-officier (chief officer), 9, 14
Hooge Berg, location of, 36
Horse, sold to Gen. Stuyvesant, 81;
presented to Gen. Stuyvesant, 100
Horse mill, 181
Horses, speeding of, 50-51, 52;
neglect of, 59; emplojmient for
other than personal use forbidden,
59-60; exchanged, 100; cruelty to,
152; used for teaming, contrary to
ordinance, 153; removed to Man
hattan, 170
Houses, ordered to be torn down, 18 ;
torn down by soldiers, 151 ;
Commissary Dyckman forbids erec
tion of house of Harmen Bastiaen
sen, 186; expenses of protests
against destruction, 211
Huybertsen (Huybers), Aryaen,
notice to leave farm, 191 ; pay
ments to by director, 199 ; accounts,
204; mentioned, 103, 104, no

226

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Inckluis (Eencluys), Hans Jansen,
accused of beating an Indian, 29;
summoned, 48, loi, 172, 180; sued
by director, 56 ; requests permission
to erect a saw mill, 169; denies
fighting, 180; fined, 180; mentioned,
211
Indians, sale of contraband munitions
of war to, 34 ; sale of liquor to, 97 ;
drinking, no; permission to erect
house, 131 ; cattle killed by, 144,
14s; house of near Fort Orange,
166; accounts with, 207; see also
Maquas
. Inventory of Slichtenhorst's office,
201
Jacobsen, Aert, sells liquor to
Indians, 97; to deliver heifer to
Reyersen, 100; refused to obey
Director's order, loi ; to pay rent,
103; summoned, 106, 134, 176, 192;
grain appraised by, 124; fined, 137;
sued by director, 154; surety for,
154; judgment, 176; lease of farm
may be canceled, 176; mentioned,
97, loi, 134
Jacobsen, Casper, lease of homestead,
155
Jacobsen, Franz, statement by, 94
Jacobsen, Pieter, mark, 128; sued by
director, 188 ; cited, 188 ; tears down
a placard, 200; mentioned 190
Jacobsen, Rutger, office of raet held
by, 17; remarks to Claes Gerritsen,
44; promised protection by Van
Slichtenhorst, 54; surety for Jacob
Adriaensen, 65, 69, 91 ; surety for
Jacob Aertsen, 69, 91 ; sale of
horses to, 97; takes oath as
councilor, 99; arbitrator in case of
Hevick, 99; surety for Abraham
Stevensen, 114; opinion regarding
loss of horse, 114; examination of
seawan, 118; to take Willem
Jeuriaensen on his yacht, 123 ; in
vestigation of authenticity of letter
sent to Vastrick, 125 ; servant, 134 ;

Jacobsen, Rutger — Continued
decision regarding New Year
shooters, 138; witness, 156; did not
know of judgment, 164; successor
appointed, 166; signature, 174;
cited, 184, 191, 192; first default,
191; accounts, 204, 208, 211; men
tioned, 71, 73, 102, 115, 144, 157
Jacobsen, Ruth, see Jacobsen, Rutger
Jacobsen, Teunis, summoned, 141
Jan, the boy of Cornelis Segers, 212
Jan, the smith, 32, 169; accounts, 210.
See also Dircksen, Jan, Englishman
Jans, Anneke, see Bogardus, Anneke
Jans
Jansen, Adriaen, from Leyden, signa
ture, 95; sues Mynten, 96; permis
sion to collect debts, 124
Jansen, Adriaen, Van Ilpendam, see
Van Ilpendam, Adriaen Jansen
Jansen, Albert, the carpenter, 191
Jansen, Claes, from Bockhoven, con
demned for hauling firewood, 176;
cited, 192 ; to pay for hauling wood,
193; satisfies judgment, 193
Jansen, Cornelis, to receive a gun, 32 ;
not to take colonists to Manhattan
without director's consent, 88
Jansen, Dirck, see Croon, Dirck
Jansen
Jansen, Evert, to support himself by
tailoring, 35
Jansen, Gerrit, the cooper, sued by
director, 31, 72
Jansen, Hans, see Inckluis, Hans
Jansen
Jansen, Huybert, de guyt, summoned,
48; attacked by Paulus Jansen, 57;
crime committed by, 175 ; accounts,
210; mentioned, 196
Jansen, Jacob, from Stoutenburch,
remarks about Claes Tyssen, 30;
sued by director, 30, summoned, 87 ;
acknowledges signature, 88
Jansen, Jacob, see also Flodder, Jacob
Jansen; Stol, Jacob Jansen;
Schermerhoorn, Jacob Jansen
Jansen, Louwerens, 102; wife, 103

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

227

Jansen, Mathijs, widow sues Jeuriaen
sen, 35 ; .money due to, 40
Jansen, Michiel, accounts, 33, 34, 77,
96; arrested, 34; appointment of
sureties, 34; again arrested, 34;
sued by director, 36-39; Appel files
answer in behalf of, 44; has not
satisfied judgments, 123; ordered
to file answer, 124; attorney for,
169; court decision, 169; men
tioned, 48, 214
Jansen, Paulus, the Noorman, assail
ant fined, 25, 107; attack on
Huybert Jansen, 57 ; . fined, 108 ;
submits differences with Flodder to
commissioners, 109; drinking, 139;
statement on killing animals, 144;
mentioned, 35, 89
Jansen (de Boer), Pieter, contract
with Hans Vos, 51 ; mentioned, 55
Jansen, Rem, the smith, sued by
director, 72; rumors of war with
Maquas, 127; drinking, 139; ac
counts, 212; mentioned, 59
Jansen, Roelof, of Masterland,
schepen, 7; daughters, S3
Jansen, Steven, carpenter, quarrels
with Claes Andriessen, 109; fight
at house of, 132, I33, I37 ; wife ac
cused by Teunis Jansen, 132 ; state
ment on receiving beer, 143 ; wages,
178; lot, 183; accounts, 205, 206;
brought to colony, 208; mentioned,
104, 109, 142, 183, 188
Jansen, Symon, cited, 48
Jansen, Teunis, sailmaker, 132
Jansen, Thomas (Tomes), wounded
by Evert Pels, 47, 52; sues Pels,
80; court decision regarding, 93;
accounts, 204, 210; mentioned, 71,
74, 109, 182, 183
Jansen (Hansen), Volkert, forbidden
to carry on unlawful trade, 70;
summoned, 83; to renew alliance
with Maquas, 129; attacked by
Stol, 136; dispute with director,
184; accounts, 1 55, 206
Jeuriaensen, Willem, see Juriaensen,
Willem

Joesten, Symon, summoned, 47
Jogues, Father Isaac, quoted, 22
Juriaens, Annetje, 119, 120
Juriaens, Volckje, 119, 120
Juriaensen (Jeuriaensen) , Willem,
sentence of banishment, 12; sen
tence confirmed, 27; accounts, 29,
215; sued by widow of Mattys
Jansen, 35, 40; sued for slandering
Stol's wife, 88; sued by director,
90, 154; acknowledges signature to
contract, 113, 155, 175; complaint
against, 119; apprehension of, 120;
twice banished from colony, 120,
122 ; punished and forever banished,
121; attack on de Hooges, 122; to
be brought on board yacht of
Rutger Jacobsen, 123; requests to
be released from confinement, 125;
attacked by Stol, 136; not willing
to carry out contract with Van
Hoesen, 174; cited, 175; lot, 181
Katskil, see Catskill
Kees de boer, see Segersen, Cornelis
Kees Schoester, see Van Westbroeck,
Cornelis Teunissen
Kerokbuurte, location of, 70
Kerckhof, 75
Kettelheym (Kuttelheym), Jochem,
sues Lambertsen, 44; remarks about
by Lambertsen, 46 ; persons slander
ing will be fined, 46 ; summoned, 48,
96, 133, 138, 175, 176; dispute with
Lambertsen settled, 56; fighting,
62, 139, 140; grain attached, 107;
money due to, 132 ; sued by director,
139; debts, 157, 175
Keuningh, Thomas, see Coninck,
Thomas
Key (Kay), Willem, see De Key
(Kay)
Kieft, Willem, letter from patroon
to, 10; mentioned, 12, 196
Klaverrack, see Claverack
Klomp, Jacob Simonsen, lot, 183;
mentioned, 183
Koninck, Thomas, see Coninck,
Thomas

228

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Koorn, Nikolaes, see Coorn (Koorn),
Nicolaes
Labatie (Laberte), Jan, requested to
arrest Fairfax, 91 ; witness, 108 ;
borrows cannon from patroon, 128;
refuses to be ambassador to
Maquas country, 129; buys house,
131; surety for Schuyler, 138; at
tacked by Kettelheym, 140; to send
a certain negro to (ien. Stuyvesant,
143 ; delivered to court Stuyvesants'
writ of appeal, 174; placard pre
sented by, 187; sued by director,
188 ; cited, 188 ; mentioned, 151 ; ac
counts, 204, 209
Lademaecker, Philip Pietersen de,
132, 137
Lambertsen, Jacob> of Dorlandt, fined,
25, 69, 107; sued by director, 44,
141, 154; retracts remarks about
Jochem Keelhuyn, 46; summoned,
48, 194; paid fine, 56; ordered to
satisfy judgment, 71 ; notice served
on, 71 ; accused of fighting, 94 ;
taken into custody, 108; attack on
Claes Andriessen, no; surety for,
in; default for failing to appear
in court, 131 ; forbidden to molest
Hans Vos, 139; mentioned, 138, 146
Lansing, Aeltje, 13
Laurenssen, Laurens, schepen, 8
Lawyers, lack of, 156
Leendertsen (Glen, Lenerts), Sander,
servant, charges against, 68; state
ments by, 68; surety for actions
against his servant, 70; wife, sued
by director, 87 ; not to take colonists
to Manhattan without director's
consent, 88; wife, 115; cited, 162,
195 ; slave accused of theft, 191,
19s ; dispute with Dyckman about
a negress, 195; accounts, 206; men
tioned, 49, 181, 195
Liquor, sold to Indians, 97
Litschoo, Sergeant Daniel, 198
Logs, cut in patroon's wood, 135
Loockemans, Pieter, sued by director,
72

Loper, Capt. Jacob, 62
Louwrensen (Appel), Jan, appointed
as surety, 34 ; files answer in behalf
of Michiel Jansen, 44; dispute be
tween Pels and director referred
to, 81, 92; sued by director, 83, 84;
summoned, 84, 85, 86, 102; court's
decision, 86; referee in case of
Jacob Aertsen and Jacob Adriaen
sen, 91 ; -money due to, 96 ; signa
ture, 92; accounts, 209
Lubbertsen, Frederick, not to take
colonists to Manhattan without
director's consent, 88; accounts,
207, 208, 215
Luyersen, Jacob, dispute with Jochem,
the baker, 167, 168; cited, 173;
denies attacking Jochem, 174; fined,
174; stolen goods given to, 192;
statement by, I93; petition, 195

Maessen, Cornells, see Van Buren,
Cornells Maessen
Manhattan, first court at, 9
Maquas, rumors of war with, 127;
resolution to renew alliance with,
128-29; accounts with, 207
Masterland, see Jansen, Roelof
Mechanics, allowance for board, 95
Megapolensis, Rev. Johannes, resi
dence, 32, 70; losses by theft, 32;
has Aert Pietersen examined as to
his matrimonial intentions, 85; son-
in-law, 125; slandered by Van
Vechten, 149, 150; accounts with
director, 159, 206; sale of books,
20S ; leaves colony, with wife and
children, 208; mentioned, 12, IS,
41, 62, 88, 147, 208, 210
Menten, see Meynten
Meynert, a carpenter, sued by director,
72
Meynten (Menten, Mynten), Willem,
attachment against, 95 ; debts, 96 ;
sued by Jansen, 96; ordered to
shoot during the night, 151 ; men
tioned, 114

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

229

Michielsen, Jan, apostil on petition of,
28; sued by director, 154; cited,
164, 167; debts, 165; cited Uylen
spiegel, 173 ; stolen goods given to,
191 ; denies charges, 193 ; offers to
go to prison in lieu of bail, 193;
petition, 195
Mill, Plodder's contract, 27; near
Thomas Chambers' farm, 154
Musch, iCbrnelis, 169
Neulewels, Jaques, statement by, 68
New Year's eve, shooting, 138
Nijssen, Wolf, see Nyssen, Wolf
Nolden (Noldingh), Evert, school
teacher, 29; sued by director, 31,
172; cited, 172; punished, 172
Nyssen, Wolf, executed, 12
Oost, Jan, wife, 148
Ordinances, on driving patroon's
horses, 59; on value of wampum,
117; conceming shooting at night,
138; against hauling firewood, 176;
listed in Van Slichtenhorst inven
tory, 202
Orphans, guardians of, 149, 154, I7S
Otterspoor, Aert, accused of fighting,
94, no, nt; surety for Dirck
Hendricksen, 115; summoned, 169,
176; cited Van Bremen, 176; men
tioned, no, 113
Paerde hoeck (Parda hook), 68
Papenakick kill, 206
Patroon and co-directors, instructions
received from, 131
Patroons, see Van Rensselaer, Jo
hannes; Van Rensselaer, Kiliaen
Pauw, Michiel, 9
Pavonia, 9
Peelen, Brant, schepen, 8; mentioned,
127
Pels, Evert, JaCob Adriaensen to
serve out term with, 25 ; service of
Quiryn Cornelissen with, 29; ac
counts, 32, 33, 202, 204; sued by
director, 33, 52, 93; quarrel with
Claes Tyssen, 33, 35, 52, 62; sum-

Pels, Evert, Jacob Adriaensen —
Continued
moned, 47, 54, 95, 96, 161, 162, 168,
175; servant, 48; wife sued by di
rector, 52; notice served on, 54;
surety for Jacob Aertsen, 65, 69,
91 ; surety for Jacob Adriaensen,
65, 69, 91; transfer of property to
Jeuriaen Bestval, 70; Gysbert
Cornelissen ordered to deliver cattle
to, 76 ; sued by Thomas Jansen, 80 ;
animals for farm, 81 ; dispute with
director to be decided by referees,
81, 93; decision regarding, 93; first
default, 96; acknowledges signature
to contract of farm, 100; non
appearance, 117; decision on dispute
between director and Stol, 14S;
acknowledges signature and debt,
162, 163; cited Hans Jansen, 172;
property attached, 174; request for
lot and horse mill granted, 181 ;
mentioned, 35, 44, 50, 69, 94, no,
167, 180
Peters, Stintgen, wife of Louwerens
Jansen, 103
Picquet (Picket), Michel, statement
by, loi
Pieter, the Frenchman, see Bosie,
Pieter
Pietersen, Abraham, see Vosburgh,
Abraham Pietersen
Pietersen, Adriaen, lease of house,
167
Pietersen, Arent, first default, 67;
summoned, 85 ; payment to, 139
Pietersen (Coeymans), Barent, sum
moned, 96, 97, 140; shooting dur
ing the night, 103; charges against
by director, 143; case dismissed,
146; mentioned, 102
Pietersen (Coeymans), Lucas, brother-
in-law of Jan Thomas, shooting
during the night, 103 ; prosecuted
for beating Willem Albertsen, 177,
178, 179, 181 ; surety for, 180
Pietersen, Reynert, see Both, Reynert
Pietersen
Pietersen, Tys, ordered to director's
house, 87

230

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Planck, Jacob Albertsen, first to hold
office of schout, 9; other offices
held by, 10; not reappointed, 10
Poest, Jan Barentsen, see Wemp, Jan
Barentsen
Poor, lot belonging to, 181
Poulus, the Noorman, see Jansen,
Paulus
Poulyntje, see Jansen, Paulus
Prins, Pieter, witness, 108; statement
regarding Indians, no
Quirynen, see Crynen
Raden, see Raetspersonen
Raetspersonen (raden), duties, 16
Rechtsvrienden, see Gerechtspersonen
Rensselaers Burg, 130
Rensselaers Steyn, n, 202
Rensselaerswyck manuscripts, deposi
ted in Albany county clerk's office,
24; turned over to State Library,
24; largely destroyed by fire, 24
Reur, Hendrick, Jansen, from Mun-
ster, engaged as court messenger,
159; salary, 159; lot, 183; exami
nation of, 189; statement by on
proclamation erecting court of Fort
Orange and Beverwo^ck, 200; men
tioned, 183
Reus, Gerrit Theusz de, see De Reus,
Gerrit Theussen
Reyersen, Jan, debts, 67, 176; Jacob-
sen to deliver heifer to, 100; surety
for Ryck Rutgersen, 108; moneys
in hands of attached, 135, 176;
cited, 176; complaint about Claes
Andriesen, 177; mentioned, loi
Reyntgen, the skipper, see Both, Rey
nert Pietersen
Roelofs, Catrina, 53
Roelofs, Sytje, 53
Rutgersen, Ryck, attacked by Davits,
107; surety for, 108; sells lumber,
109; grain appraised by, 124;
moneys in hands of attached, 135 ;
money due to, 176; cited, 177, 187;
judgment against, 177; ordered to
comply with ordinance, 181
Rutten kill, 54

Ruyverdingh (Ruerdingh), Pieter, de
livers to court Stuyvesant's writ
of appeal, 174; placard presented
by, 187; placard posted by, pro
claiming erection of court of Fort
Orange and Beverwyck, 199
Sabbath, observance, 16
[Sanders, Catalyn, vdfe of Sander
Leendertsen Glen, 115; summoned,
19s ; statements by, 68, 192, 197
Sandersen, Thomas, permission to
settle here, 118; wife, 120; cited,
184; sued by director, 184; fine
reduced, 187
Savary (Savery), Roelandt, sued by
director, 72; witness, 158; accounts,
208
Saw mill, request to erect mill near
Beeren island granted, 169
Schepens, designated by patroon, 7;
to be appointed by Planck, 9
Schermerhoorn, see Van Schermer
horn
School, 29; petition to keep day and
night school, 173
iSchoolmaster, committee appointed to
engage, 174
Schout, original appointee, 7; first to
hold office, 9
Schuyler (Scheuller), Philip Pieter
sen, 13 ; dispute with Steven Jansen,
132, 133; arrested, 133; requests
permission to go outside jail limits,
133 ; requests delay, 137 ; quotes Mr
Dyckman's remarks about Van
Slichtenhorst, 197 ; father-in-law,
197; mentioned, 193
Schuyler, Pieter Davidsen, 13 ; wife,
148
Schuyler Flatts, 30
Seawan, depreciation, 117, 118, ISS,
216. See also Wampum
Segersen, Claes, contract with di
rector, 88; surety for Gysbert
Cornelissen, 108; grain attached,
156; accounts, 156; property at
tached, 174; cited, 176. See also
Segersen, Cornelis

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

231

Segersen, Cornelis, Jacob Adriaensen
in service to, 25; ordered to pay
Reyer Stoffelsen, 28; attachment of
money in hands of, 29; attachment
against vacated, 32; derogatory re
marks about de Vos, 32 ; derogatory
remarks about Poest, 35, 89;
acknowledges signature, 55; wheat
in hands of attached, 61, 81, 82;
request to be released by court, 68 ;
to take boy into service, 69; dis
pute with Willem de Key, 69;
requests arrest of de Key, 69;
accounts, 71 ; horse sold by, 81 ;
ordered to deliver wheat, 83; sum
moned, 83, 88, 89, 90, 95, IOI, 106,
156; farmer, 86; sued for slander,
89; lease of farms, 90; granted a
lot, 90 ; canceled, 91 ; first default,
96; to pay director, 106; accoimt to
be examined, 106; grain attached,
107; sued by director, 154; granted
a delay, 155; promises to deliver
wheat, 155; requests that case be
referred to impartial judges, 157;
attachment against, 161 ; refuses to
pay debt, and deliver grain, 197.
198 ; punished, 198 ; to deliver grain
to Comelisen, 198; accounts, 204,
206; boy, 212; sons, 212; men
tioned, 43, 44, 102
Ship de Princes, 79
Ship Soutberg, 8
Ship Valckenier, 78
Shooting at night, ordinance concern
ing, 138
Skippers, not to take colonists to
Manhattan without director's con
sent, 88; not to transport goods of
persons in arrears to patroon, 102
Slichtenhorst, Brant, see Van
Slichtenhorst, Brant Aertsen
Smith, Jan, see Jan, the smith
Solder, see Pietersen, Aert
Soutberg, ship, 8
Stads Herberg (City Tavern), 27
Staets (Staas), Abraham, commis
sioner, 16; offices held by, 17; levy
on property, 87 ; bail for appearance

Staets (Staas), Abraliam — Con
tinued
of wife of Sander Leendersen, 87;
decision on dispute between director
and Stol, 145 ; fighting with Dirck
sen, 152; placards presented by,
187; answer to request for cannon
signed by, 187; accounts, 204, 208,
212; mentioned, 49, 62, 91
Stevensen (Stevens), Abraham, ac
cused of fighting, 94; silmmoned,
loi, 102, 113, 134; shooting during
the night, 103, 104, 105; lease of
meadow, 105 ; charges against, 1 10,
in; surety for, 114; default for
failing to appear in court, 131 ;
ordered to produce witnesses, 131 ;
admits fighting, 138; drinking, 139
Stichtigeri, an Indian, 132, 166
Stoffelsen, Reyer, payment to by
Cornelis Segersen, 28; accounts,
209; mentioned, 49
Stol (Hap), Jacob Jansen, first de
fault, 40; complaint against Jan
Van Bremen, 58 ; fined, 82 ; bail for
appearance of wife of Sander
Leendersen, 87; not to take
colonists to Manhattan without
director's consent, 88; slandered by
Juriaensen, 88; wife slandered by
Juriaensen, 88; statement concern
ing Maquas, 127; arrested, 134;
charges against, 135; sued by
director, 135; succeeded Harry
Albertsen as ferry master, 135;
fined, 136; to give security for
satisfaction of judgment or sen
tence, 137; dispute with director
about Hendrick Albertsen's con
tract, 144; delivered to court
Stuyvesant's writ of appeal, 174;
placards presented by, 187; answer
to request for cannon signed by,
187 ; cited, 191 ; first default, 191 ;
mentioned, 29, 133, 193
Stol, Willem Jansen, sued by director,
72
Stuyvesant, Nicholas William, wife,
148

232

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Stuyvesant, Peter, controversy vnth
Van Slichtenhorst, 17; proclama
tion of day of fasting and prayer,
30; protection promised Rutger
Jacobsen from, 54; nephew, 72;
horse sold to, 81 ; protests against
taking possession of Catskill, 106;
letter from director to on settle
ment of Catskill, 116; ordinance
regulating wampum, 117; director
consents to certain requests of, 143 ;
signs writ of appeal, 174; placard
from, Mr Dyckman proposes to
post, 184-85, 188; claims ground
a;-ound Fort Orange, 185 ; orders
flag of colony hauled down, 198;
accounts, 205 ; mentioned, 102, 196,
211
Swart, Gerard, officer of justice, 19
Taverns, director requests that but
two be allowed, 162
Teller (Teyller), Willem, complaint
against Chambers, 98; mentioned.
t)4
Teunis, the servant, 103
Teunissen, Claes, see Uylenspiegel,
Claes Teunissen
Teunissen (Theunisen, Toenisen),
Cornelis, from Breuckelen, com
missioner, 10; accounts, 26, 27, 29,
32, 33, 71, 204; appeals from de
cision of court, 32; gives up lease
of farm, 71 ; requests (delay in
case, 71, 73 ; accuses Slichtenhorst
of changing contract, 72; sum
moned, 84, 85, 86, 113; order is
sued to regarding Tys Pietersen,
87; notice served on, 108; to renew
alliance wiih Maquas, 129; garden
sold with his consent, 158; debts,
163; mentioned, 35, 47, 48, 52, 105,
119, 127, 143, 149, 202
Teunissen, Cornelis, see also Van
Westbroeck, Cornelis Teunissen
Teunissen, Jeuriaen, glazier, lot, 181 ;
mentioned, 183
Teunissen, Joost, from Norden, dis
pute with Bronck, 159; fined, 160

Teunissen, Pieter, wheat, 96; farm,
ns; land at (Datskill, 183; cited,
186, 187; judgment against, 189;
accounts, 209
Teyller, Willem, see Teller, Willem
Theusz, Gerrit, see De Reus, Gerrit
Theussen
Thomassen (Tomensen), Jan, re
marks about Claes Tyssen, 30 ; con
tract about building house, 31 ; con
tract canceled by director, 70 ; sum
moned, 83, 84; accoimts with pa
troon, 155 ; brother-in-law, 177, 178,
179, 180, 181 ; dispute with director,
184; case submitted to referees,
188 ; cites Uylenspiegel, 191 ; ac
counts, 206; mentioned, 195
Thomassen, Paulus, cited, 182; ad
mits debts, 182; land at Catskill,
183
Thymensen, Reynier, 50
Toenys, Jacobj attempt to arrest, 64,
66, 67
Toepacht, 15, 96, 148, 150
Trading house, 62, 74
Tyssen (Tysschen), Claes, remarks
concerning, 30, 35; beaten by Evert
Pels, 33, 35, 47; vrages, 47; Pels
ordered to pay, 52, 54, 63 ; accounts
with Van der Donck, 82; decision
regarding dispute with Pels, 93 ;
payments to, 117; accounts, 213;
mentioned, 32, 33
Tyssen, Jan, summoned, 134
Uyl, den (Stichtigeri), an Indian,
131, 132, 166
Uylenspiegel, Claes Teunissen, denies
calling Claes Tysschen an informer,
,30; sued by director, 30; 50;; speed
ing horses, 46, 47, 51 ; fined, 46, 52 ;
director demands he be banished
from colonv, 51; accotmts, 157;
cited. 161, 162, 164, 172, 173, 191;
debts, 191
Valckenier, ship, 78
Van Alekmaer, Adriaen Pietersen, see
Pietersen, Adriaen

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

233

Van Bremen, Jan Dircksen, fined, 28,
58; account of, 2«; accusation
against, 29; dispute with Vos, 57,
5£i; complaint against by Stol, 58;
to have copy of director's com
plaint, 63; horses,. 76; money due
to, 83; debts, 84; money in hands
of attached, 84; complaint about
assault, 93 ; farm, 102 ; attacked by
Davits, 107; fighting with Croaet,
no, III; statement about fighting,
114; grain of, 124; to serve notice
on Dirck Hendricksen, 139; com
plaints against Kettelheym, 140;
cited, 176, 186, 187, 189; land at
Catskill, 183; acknowledges signa
ture to contract, 187; judgment
against, 189; accounts, 204, 209,
211, 212; mentioned, log, no, 131,
159
Van Breuckelen, Cornelis Teunissen,
see Teunissen, 'Cornells
Van Bruggen, Carel, see' Verbrugge,
Carel
Van Buren, Cornelis Maessen, 48 ; ad
ministrators of estate, 145; guard
ians of minor children, I49i 154,
175.; accounts, 202; accounts with
guardians of children, 204; men-
ticHied, 176
Vara Curler (Korler, Ckirlaer), Arent,
sent out as assistant to Plamcfc,, 10 ;
commissioner, 10; cffices held by,
17; allowance for board of me
chanics, 95 ; horses, 100 ; to renew
alliance with Maquas, 129; accepts
office of commissioner,. 137; de
cision regarding New Year shoot
ers, 138; signature, 144, i74, 185,
186, 217, 2rS; decision on dispute
between director and Stol, 14S ; wit
ness, 158; supervision of school,
174; money in hands of attached,
175 ; referee in case of Jan
Thomassen, 188; books, 202; letter
to Johan van Rensselaer, 217; men
tioned, rs, 16, 43, 156, 157, rS6,
193, 2fI3

Van den Bogaert, Harmen Meyndert-
sen, pursuit by Vos, 105
Van der Donck, Adriaen, commis
sioned officer of justice, 10; suc
cessor to, II ; patroon's letter to,
12; debts, 29, 82; to collect money
for Hans Vos, 32; petition pre
sented by, 60; dispute with Di
rector regarding payment for ani
mals, 61 ; insulted by Jacob Aert
sen, 67; horse drowned, 68; wheat
attached, 61, 76, 77, 82; court de
cision concerning wheat, 78; sells
interest in farm, 78; to leave the
colony, 78; sued de Hooges, 78;
agreement with Van Slichtenhorst
regarding dispute, 79; dispute be
tween Pels and Director referred
to, 81, 92; may not receive or un
load wheat, 81; attachment against
by Claes: Tyssen, 82; sued by di
rector, 84 ; referee in case of Jacob
Aertsen and Jacob Adriaensen, 91 ;
signature, 92; accounts, 206; men
tioned, 28>, 130, 214
Van der Schuer, Pieter, 15, 19
Van Dorlandt, Jacob Lambertsen, see
Lam;bertsen, Jacob
Van Es, Cornelis Hendricksen, see
Van Nes, Cornelis Hendricksen
Van Hoesen, Jan, complains against
Jeuriaensen, 119; wife slandered,
119; Jeuriaensen's contract with,
174; granted lot of Jeuriaensen,
181 ; injunction issued to, regarding
Wesselsen, 182; mentioned, 182
Van Ilpendam, Adriaen Jansen,
Schoolmaster, witness, 132;' petition
of, 173; day and night school, 173
Van Leyden, Adriaen Jansen, see Jan
sen, Adriaen, from Leyden
Van Mumiidcendam, Pieter Cornelis
sen, see^ Cornelissen, Pieter
Van Nes CEsi, Essen), Cornelis
Hendricksen, sued by director, 33,
41, 45, 73 ; and wife sued by di-
director, 33, 44; arrest of Quiry
nen at request of, 35 ; first default.

234

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Van Nes (Es, Essen), Cornelis
Hendricksen — Continued
40; fined, 42; testimony about to
be given, 48 ; slandered director, 53 ;
regrets using slanderous language,
54; contract regarding farm, 56; in
junction served on, 57; statement
regarding, 58; surety for 59; wed
ding of daughters, 67 ; asked to pay
bond, 73 ; bond signed by, 73 ; Hans
Vos to watch property, 74, 105 ;
summoned, loi, 105 ; declaration of
regarding drovraed horses, 203 ; ac
counts, 204; mentioned, 76, 113, 202
Van Rensselaer, Jan Baptist, director,
19; appointed magistrate, 166; sig
nature, 185, 186; referee in case of
Jan Thomassen, 188; Mr Dyck
man's remarks about, 197 ; statement
by on proclamation erecting court
of Fort Orange and Beverwyck,
200; mentioned, 186, 193
Van Rensselaer, Johannes, guard
ians, II, 26, 184; second patroon,
117, 118; death, 20; instructions re
ceived from, 131 ; exhibits in Van
Slichtenhorst's suit against, 201,
203; letter to from Van Curler, 217
Van Rensselaer, Kiliaen, court
erected by, 7; memorial presented
to the West India company, 8;
date of death, n, 118; succeeded as
patroon by his eldest son Johan
nes, II, 26
Van Schaick, Gerrit, 13 •
Van Schaick, (loosen Gerritsen, see
Gerritsen, Goosen
Van Schelluyne, Dirck, attorney for
Michiel Jansen, 169; to act as
referee, 170; signature, 172
Van Schermerhorn, Jacob Jansen,
sued by director, 72 ; arrested, loi ;
produce from garden sold to, 158
Van Schoonderwoert, Rutger Jacob-
sen, see Jacobsen, Rutger
Van Slichtenhorst, Aeltje, or Alida,
13, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Arend, historian,
13, 20, 201, 203

Van Slichtenhorst, Bata, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Brant Aertsen,
recommended for schout, 9; suc
ceeds Van der Donck, 1 1 ; appointed
director of colony, 11, 203; arrival
in colony, 13; sketch of, 13-14;
wife, 13, is; children, 13; contro
versy with Stuyvesant, 17; protests
against erection of court of Fort
Orange and Beverwyck, 19; ar
rested, 19; returns to the Nether
lands, 19; actions against the pa
troon, 20; completes historical work
of his son Arend, 20; death, 20;
character, 20; his claim to being
called the founder of Albany, 21-
23; entries by in court record, 24;
protest against Stuyvesant's proc
lamation of day of fasting and
prayer, 30; signature, 36, 39, 53,
54, 74, 88, 132, 174, 185, 186; state
ment about Claes Gerritsen, 43;
slandered by Van Nes, 53 ; promises
to indemnify Rutger Jacobsen, 54;
to release grain attached by him,
60; son, 64, 66; garden, 75; deci
sion on Van der Donck's wheat, 81 ;
requested to render his account to
the commissioners, 114; refused to
let de Hooges have custody of
court records, 120; investigation of
authenticity of letter to Vastrick,
125; accused of violence, 164; ar
rest, 197, 201 ; inventory of effects
taken at house of, 201-3; exhibits
in his suit against Johan van Rens
selaer, 201, 203; account of re
ceipts and disbursements by, 203-
17; mentioned, 13, 31, 54, 119, 157
Van Slichtenhorst, Elizabeth, 148.
Van Slichtenhorst, Glerrit, director's
son, 13, 15, 66, 197; children, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Gerrit, director's
grandson, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Goudje, or Hille
gonda, 13, 15, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Margaret, 13, 15
Van Slichtenhorst, Rachel, 148
Van Slichtenhorst, Yonde, 148

Court Minutes, 1648-1652

235

Van Slyck, Comelis, see Teunissen,
Cornelis, from Breuckelen
Van Stoutenburch, Jacob Jansen, see
Jansen, Jacob, from Stoutenburch
Van Tienhoven, Cornelis, secretary,
signature, 60
Van Twiller, Jan (Johannes), offices
held by, 17; mark as witness, 74;
decision on Van der Donck's wheat,
81 ; sells horse to Gen. Stuyvesant,
81 ; signature, 81 ; opinion regard
ing loss of horse, 114; witness,
ns; examination of seawan, 118;
court records delivered to, 120;
charges for board, 124; statement
by on proclamation erecting court
of Fort Orange and Beverwyck,
200; accounts, 215; mentioned, 84,
119, 126
Van Twiller, Wouter, arrival at New
Amsterdam, 8; letter of patroon to,
9; guardian for Johannes van
Rensselaer, 11, 26; mentioned, 14,
125
Van Valckenburgh, Lambert, 193 ;
sued by director, 72
Van Vechten, Teunis Dircksen, see
Dircksen, Teunis
Van Voorhout, Cornelis Comelisen,
summoned, 134, 138, 173, 175; sued
by director, 140; debts, 161; prop
erty attached, 174; accounts, 212
Van Voorhout, Cornelis Segersen,
see Segersen, Cornelis
Van Vorst, Cornelis, 9
Van Wassenaer, Nicolaes, quoted, 9
Van Wely, Johan, guardian for Jo
hannes van Rensselaer, 11, 26
Van Wenckum, Aeltje, wife of Van
Slichtenhorst, 13; death, 15
Van Wenckum (Wencom), Gerrit,
Van Slichtenhorst's assistant, ii;
record partly in his handwriting,
24 ; director's nephew, 66 ; assaulted
by drunken Indian, 97; to renew
alliance with Maquas, 129; exami
nation of, 189; paid for copying,
211, 214; salary as deputy sheriff,
213 ; mentioned, 15

Van Westbroeck, Cornelis Teunissen,
forbidden to carry on unlawful
trade, 70; surety for Jacob Lam
bertsen, in; denies slandering Vos,
113; ordered to send Jan Hagemans
away, 118; sued by director, 145,
154; guardian of minor children of
Cornelis Maessen, 149, 175 ; surety
for Aert Jacobsen, 154 ; cited Aert
sen, 175 ;_ cited, 176, 177, 192;
judgment, 176; director's complaint
against, 178; debts, 179; granted
delay, 180; offers security for judg
ment, 181 ; replication of director
against, 194; accounts, 205
Vasterick, Gerrit, to appear in court,
84; examination of seawan, 118;
letter to, concerning a minister,
Grasmeer, 125 ; accusations against,
126 ; gold sold to, 141 ; witness,
158; summons Pels, 168; accounts,
207, 213; mentioned, 119
Vasterick, Robert, surety for Lucas
and Aryen, 180; cited, 180; state
ment about Mr Dyckman, 197
Verbeeck, Jan, office of raet held by,
17; apostil on petition of, 28;
debts, 40; servant of, 64, 66, 67;
sues Dircksen, 131 ; nominated as
magistrate, 137; to take oath of
office, 140; admitted as member of
the court, 141; accounts, 157, 204;
signature, 186; mentioned, 64, 67,
84, 144, 152, 157, 192, 193
Verbeeck, Marten Hendricksen, de
mand for payment of accounts, 31 ;
ordered to pay Willem Frederick-
sen, 31; cited, 161, 162; acknowl
edges signature and debt, 162, 163;
lot, 183
Verbrugge (Van Bruggen), Carel,
protests against taking possession
of Catskill, 106, 108; commissary
of Fort Orange, 131 ; accounts, 204;
mentioned, loi
Vlackte, de, farm, 95
Vol (Fulda), in Hessen, 12

236

Colony of RensselaersTvyck

Vos, Cornelis Cornelissen, farm, 59;
forbidden to carry on unlawful
trade, 70 ; summoned, 141 ; servant,
177, 178, 179, 181; accounts, 205
Vos, Hans, request conteerning Quiryn
Cornelissen, 27; attachment of
money, 29; ordered to complete
term of service, 31 ; money due to,
32; contract of service with Pieter
Claessen, 47; beating, 48; sum
moned, 51 ; dismissed until after
harvest time, 54; court messenger,
ss; dispute with Van Bremen, 57;
attacked by Van Bremen, 58;
slandered by Koorn, 61 ; fighting
with Chambers, 63 ; ordered to watch
property of Van Es and Claessen,
74; payment of wages to, 74;
ordered to levy animals for Evert
Pels, 81 ; assault on, 82 ; wages,
84; summons issued by, 84;
slandered by Segersen, 89; pay
ments to, 92 ; payments to by Pels,
93 ; testifies, 97 ; granted money for
supervision of house, 105 ; money
for pursuit of fugitive, 105 ;
attached grain, 107; testimony
regarding Dirck Hendricksen, no;
slandered, 113; accounts, 123, 205,
208; attacked by Stol, 135, 136;
complaint about Hendricksen, 138;
protection from assault, 139; in
sulted by Lambertsen, 142: men
tioned, 28, 64, 67, 68, 69, 82, 83,
103, 140
Vosburgh, Abraham Pietersen, at
tacked by Stol, 136; to act as
referee, 160; accounts, 207
Vossgen, Cornelis, see Vos, Cornelis
Cornelissen

Waelingen, Jacob, offered lease of
farm, 115; refused to accept Offer
of half of Casteels island, 130;

Waelingen, Jacob — Continued
granted permission to leave the
colony, 130
Waelingen (Walichsen), Simon, 48;
money due to Hans Vos, 32
Wampum, ordinance regulating value
of approved, 117. See also Seawan
Weble, Jan, 173. See also Wemp,
Jan Barentsen
Welys Burch, 130
Wemp, Jan Barentsen, slandered by
Segersen, 35, 89; requests clemency
for servant, 112; to pay fines of
Claes Andriessen, 113; attachment
of moneys, 135 ; requested to haul
logs, 142; garden, 158; lease ex
tended, 166; condemned for haul
ing firewood, 176; complaint about
Claes Andriessen, 177 ; lot, 183 ;
cattle, 183; accounts, 206, 210, 212;
mentioned, 74, 109. Ses also
Weble, Jan
Wendel, Evert Jansen, see Jansen,
Evert
Wesselsen (Wessels), Jochem, re
quests a lot, 164; dispute with
Luyersen, 167, 168, 174; dted, 173,
182; fined, 174; injunction issued,
182
Westerkamp, Hendrick, permission
to support himself in the colony,
25; wheat for, 147; condemned for
hauling firewood, 176; brickyard,
194 ; accounts, 2O5 ; mentioned, 168
Westval, Juriaen, see Bestval, Juriaen
Willems, Margariet, 87
Willemsen. Adriaen, sentence of
banishment, 12
Willemstadt, 10. 23. See also Bever
wyck
Wilt wyck, 22
Witbeck, Jan Thomassen, see
Thomassen, Jan
Wolves, 100
Whiting (Wytit^h), William, 39

YALE UNIVERSITY

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