USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. IV > Part 4
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Schepmoes declares, that he knew not that the beavers were stolen neither suspected it - as this ware is a cur- renty in this country.
Anthony Pieterson appearing in court declared at the requisition of the Attorney General that Symon Vol- kertsen accosted him on shore, and desired to be con- ducted on board which the deponent effected, when they arrived there said Symon took two beavers from his hang-mat and returned with these on shore. Then Symon went to Marten Crigier and offered to sell him these beavers-who declined it. From here they went together to Schepmoes, and sold to him two beavers at f7:10. The next day they returned on board: Symon said he would fetch some peas-when they were arrived in the yacht- Symon called Anthony to hold up the bag, and then he saw that Symon pulled one beaver from under his pillow, the skipper said, take care, that you do not take more peas than you have a right to. So they returned to shore, and sold this beaver too to Schepmoes-Symon told Anthony he earned two beavers in Fort Orange by watch- ing, the other he purchased. 15th Novr. 1644.
Vol. ii, p. 279.
ADRIAEN VAN DONCK, plaintiff; contra JANNETJE TEU- NIS, defendant.
The plaintiff said that the defendant made a contract with the Hon. de Heer Van Rensselaer, and requests that the defendant may fullfil it, whereas it is the wish of the
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Patroon that his settlers should proceed in a decent man- ner to his colony.
Parties are referred to the spring, as the defendant has married and is highly pregnant-provided she gives bail that the contract shall be fullfilled and the money reim- bursed.
Vol. ii, p. 191.
On the petition of Jacob Plank. Sheriff, (officer) in the colony of (Heer) the Hon. Van Rensselaer, named Rens- selaerwyck, with regard to the sending of a few horses to aforesaid colony-and whereas many heads of cattle have before been removed from the Manhattans, and no beasts are remaining except only on the farm of the late Director, Twiller, while the other five farms remain des- titute of any creature. wherefore these cannot be cultiva- ted, so is it, that the Hon. Director and Council rejected after mature deliberation Jacob Plank's Petition, granting him only to send thither a few goats. Vol. ii, p. 2.
Whereas the Director General and Council in New Netherland experience that many persons, some in the Company's service, and other Inhabitants, do not hesi- tate to sell the Indians in violation of the commands of their High and mighty Lords, the States General, and the privileged West Indian Company, guns, powder and balls, which has caused already some mishap, and which, if no efficacious remedy was to be applied by us, ere long might be followed by the most dreadful events, so is it, that every inhabitant of New Netherland, of what state, con- dition or dignity he may be, is expressly forbidden to sell to any Indians in this neighborhood any guns, powder or ball, on the penalty of suffering death, and whoever can bring information against any one who has trespassed against this placard shall receive a reward of fifty gl .*
Vol. ii, p. 46-7.
Every inhabitant is further warned, that no person shall dare to sail with boats or any other vessel to fort Orange, or to the South river, or to the fort Hope, except
* £8. 6s. Sd. or 50 gl.
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by a permit of the Director General, and in their return by a passport of the Commissary, there residing and repre- senting the company ; and if it is discovered that any individual has been in any of these places without such a permit, in such a case shall the vessel and cargo be confiscated in behalf of the company, besides a fine, which is to be determined by the circumstances of the case.
Our dear and faithful commissaries, who are invested with our authority in these places are seriously com- manded to affix this placard directly, so that every indi- vidual may be informed of his duty and be on his guard. Done and published in fort Amsterdam 31 March, 1639. Vol. ii, p. 47.
In the year of our Lord and Saviour one thousand six hundred and forty-two, on the 7th of June N. S. appeared before me, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, secretary in behalf of the General West Indian Company in New Netherland, Peter Jacobsen from Rensbeeck, with Gysje Petersen his lawful wife residing in fort Orange, situated on the North River in New Netherland, both being at present enjoying bodily health, going and coming in the full possession of their senses, memory and mind, as appeared to us, who declared that they contemplating the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of its time, and wishing to prevent this uncertainty by a positive testamentary disposition, freely, deliberately, without any indirection, persuasion or lure from any person whatever, declared their last will in the following terms:
After repealing and annulling all and every other testa- mentary disposition previously made jointly or by either of them, they recommend their souls allways, and where- ever these shall have left their bodies to God's unfathom- able mercy, and their corpses to a Christian burial in the hope of a happy resurrection at the last day.
Both testators institute as their sole heirs, viz : of their whole estate, real, personal, present and future, with any increase or obtained emoluments and profits without any exception, one another reciprocally, so that the survivor
.
-
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shall possess the remaining estate in full property with- out being obliged to deliver any part to the relatives of the deceased-only with this exception-that Peter Ja- cobsen shall, if his wife now here present died, first pay to Annetje Alberts, her daughter, as her mother's heri- tage, twenty car. gl. and no more remaining the remainder to the survivor, no older claims being admitted. This disposition Pieter Jacobsen and Gysje Petersen declared to be her last will, which they hope shall be respected and obtain effect even if it was deficient in some legal res- pects, or contrary to any particular law or statute which might have been disregarded, wherefore they solicited that I Cornelis Van Tienhoven might examine its con- tents, and keep its protocol as the secretary of New Netherland preparing one or more copies in debta forma. Done by Peter Jacobson and Gysje Petersen aforesaid in the presence of Bastian Cros commissary in Fort Orange and A. Van Curler as witnesses who signed the protocol with me secretary. Done in fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.
This is the
mark of
GYSJE
PETERSEN. BASTIAN KROP. Vol. iii, p. 39.
William Kieft, director general and council in New Netherland, make known to all whom it may concern, whereas Willem Cornelis Coster was murdered by the savages called Waspinox (living on the North River about half ways from Fort Orange), which savages robbed said Coster from several articles then in his possession, and whereas said Coster has yet here and in the colony of Rensselaerwyck several pretensions, so is it, that we deemed it proper to qualify a competent person to take the administration of said Coster's estate upon him here in New Netherland, so that his employers and his widow may receive the yet remaining property wherefore we persuaded of the abilities of his Cosin John Laurens and Gerrit Rievers (both men of a good character), appointed and qualified them to collect all
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the debts and pay those which he owed, and do with said estate in every respect as they shall feel themselves in duty bound to do, approving we, whatever by John Laurens and Gerrit Rieviers shall have been legally tran- sacted, with the farther power of assuming to themselves or substituting others in their place, provided that said constituents remain obliged to render a faithful account of their administration to Coster's employers and widow. Done in fort Amsterdam, 7 August, 1643, in New Nether- land.
WILLIAM KIEFT.
By order of the Hon. Director and council of New Netherland.
CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary. Vol. iii, p. 143.
Appeared before me, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, secre- tary in New Netherland, Hendrick Petersen from Hasfelt, old about 40 years, and Adrien Reyntsen Smit, who jointly at the request of Thomas Teunis declare which declara- tion they were willing to sanction with a solemn oath that it is true that Thomas Teunis said at the house of Marten Criger, said to said Criger, at what price will you take beavers, who replied at 8* gl. Teunis Thomas said not for tent gl. All which said witnesses declared to be true. Done September, 1643, in fort Amsterdam.
AERNT REYNSEN.
This is the
X mark of from Hasfelt.
HENDRICK PETERSEN
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN.
Vol. iii, p. 151.
On the requisition of Cornelis Vander Huysen, attor- ney general in New Netherland, declared Cornelis Melyn, old 44 years, which declaration he is willing to sanction with an oath, if it is required, that it is true, that he pur- chased on the 20th June last from Laurens Cornelis, skip- per on the vessel, the Maiden of Enckhuysen, a quart blubber oil for eight beavers.
* £1 6s. 8d.
+ £1 13s. 4d.
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At the same requisition, with the offer of an oath de- clared Jannetje Melyns, wife of Cornelis Melyn, that she purchased from Laurens Cornelisen on the same day a parcel lace amounting between eighty* and ninetyt gl. Done 29 July, 1644, in fort Amsterdam in New Nether- land.
CORNELIS MELYN.
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary. Vol. iii, 'p. 214.
[Vol. 3, p. 433.]-Philip Gerritsen from Haerlem, tavern keeper, laying sick in his bed, but in full posses- sion of his speech and memory, declares in the presence of the attorney general, Van der Huyhens and Arent Reiniersen Smith, at the request of Abraham Planck to be the truth, which he was willing to confirm by his oath, that he Philip Gerritsen in the year 16 after the Water Hound was arrived, assisted Abraham Planck in carrying a quantity of beavers, which were due by Abraham Planck to Hendrick Roesen for friezes purchased from said Roesen and brought these at the house of the secre- tary in the fort where Roesen boarded, who received there the beavers from Planck. This Gerritsen declared to be true and he said so, to pay his homage to the truth, as any person is bound to do, when requested the original instrument was recorded on the 15th March, 1645, at the house of the said Gerritsen in the Manhattans.
PHILIPPAS GERRITSEN.
CORNELIS VAN DER HOGHENS, Witnesses.
ARENT REINIERSEN,
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN.
[Vol. 3, p. 436.]-Copy. I undersigned declare to owe on sight of this, forty three and a half beaver. In truth whereof I signed this note on the 26th May, 1645. LUBBERT GERRITSEN.
Lower stood, paid on account fifteen beavers.
Compared with the original it was found correct to April, 1645, by CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary.
Appeared this day before me Cornelis Van Tienhoven, secretary in New Netherland, Hendrick Huygen, commis-
* £13 6s. Sd. 1 £15.
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sary of the honorable Crown of Sweden, who acknow- ledged that he owed on account of said crown of Sweden to William Turck merchant on the ship the Black Raven, two hundred ten and a half beaver, originating from whares and merchandises which Huygen aforesaid de- clared that he received to his full contentment before the signature of this promissory note, as is evident from the account joined; and which two hundred ten a half beaver I Hendrick Huygen promise to pay on warning to William Turck, aforesaid or his attorney, submitting therefore his person and property, real and personal, present and fu- ture to the control of any court of justice. In truth whereof, this instrument was signed by him Huygen afore- said, and the secretary, the 7th July, 1643, in fort Amster- dam in New Netherland.
HENDRICK HUYGEN, CORNELIS VAN DER HOGHENS. Att'y Gen., GYSBERT OPDYCK,
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary. Vol. iii, p. 139.
Appeared before me, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, secre- tary in New Netherland, Mr. Oloff Stevensen, commissary of wares and merchandises, and Roulof Jansen Hoes, re- ceiver of the recognitions in behalf of the West Indian Company here, who jointly at the request of Claes Jansen Calf, declared, which declaration they both were willing to confirm with a solemn oath when r. quired, that in our presence have been laden two hundred, ninety eight, whole and four half beavers, in a box marked N. 13 IB. } and consigned to Steventje Cornely, his wife residing at Am- sterdam, of which Beavers Claes Calf paid the recogni- tions to the receiver of the company, and have been af- terwards directly laden in the vessel De Jager, now on its voyage, of which is skipper Willem Tomassen, to deliver said box with beavers if God gives him a prosperous voyage at Amsterdam, to his Claes Calf 's wife aforesaid. All which said witnesses declared to be true, and was signed this act by Olof Stevensen and Rouloff Jansen, in the presence of Adriaen Van Tienhoven and Gysbert
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Opdyck, on the 15th September, 1646, in fort New Am- sterdam in New Netherland.
OLOFF STEVENSEN, 7 ROULOF JANSEN, JR., Witnesses.
GYSBERT OPDYCK,
ADRIAEN VAN TIENHOVEN, J
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary.
Vol. iii, p. 322.
I Cornelis Huyhens, attorney general in New Nether- land to Nicholas Toorn in behalf of Mr. Van Ren- selaer in his colony; whereas I am informed with cer- tainty, that it is your intention and that you are qualified by your patroon to establish yourself on Bears Island, situated three miles below fort Orange with a body of men to build there a fort for which you have provided guns to defend it. And whereas this is inconsistent with the privileges grante l to patroons and lords of the manors while a colony may not be farther extended as four miles along the coast, or two miles at both sides of the river as is evident from the 5 art. of the grant, and whereas said Bears Island is more than two miles from the limits of said colony ; besides the old attempt to construct there a fort which might command the river and debar Fort Orange from the free navigation, all of which would be ruinous to the interests of the company, so is it, that I solicit to know what authority you have and by whom you have invested with it. If you do not directly comply with it then I forbid you to construct any building what- ever, much less to construct any fortifications out of the limits of said colony of Renselaerwyck, and if you, not- withstanding this art. daring to proceed, then I protest against all damages, which must be the consequences of such lawless transactions, which I shall prosecute against you or any other persons whom it may concern.
I Nicolaes Toorn, commander in Renselaer Stein in behalf of the honorable Kilian Van Renselaer, under the high allegiance of their High Might. the States General of the United Netherlands and the privileged West Indian
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Company, first commander of the Colony on the North River in New Netherland, make it known to you, Cornelis Van Huygens, attorney general of New Netherland as the vice commander of the Hon. Van Renselaer, that you will not presume to oppose and frustrate my designs on the Bears Island, to defraud me in any manner, or to cause me any trouble, as it has been the will of their High' Might. the States General and the privileged West Indian Company, to invest my patroon and his heir with the right to extend and fortify his Colony and make it pow- erful in every respect ; wherefore you Cornelis Van Huy- hens, attorney general, will take care to avoid any attempt on these rights, and if you did so, then I Nicholaes Toorn protest on the act of violence and assault committed by the Hon. Lords Mayors which I leave them to settle be- tween them and my Honorable Patroon, while the under- taking has nothing else in view as to prevent, that the canker of freemen may not enter in his colony. The at- torney general persists in his interdiction, and renews his protest. Done in Manhattans, 18 November, 1644 in New Netherland.
CORNELIS VAN DER HOGHENS, Attorney General. NICOLAES TOORN, DAVID PROVOST, Witnesses. STOFFEL STEVENSEN.
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary.
Vol. iii, p. 187.
[Vol. 3, p. 219.] At the request of Govert Loocke- mans declared the undersigned witnesses, viz: Cors. Pe- tersen, old about 33 years, Harmen Arently from Bremen, old about 35 years, Cornelis Mauritsen Bort, old 27 years, Willem Petersen, old 20 years, Joannes Verbrugge, old about 20 years, Carman Douwes, old about 26 years, Harman Bastiaensen, old 25 years, Jacob Jansen, old three and twenty years, and Elbert Elbertsen, old 24 years, who jointly and separately declared, which decla-
NOTE -It seems Renselaerstein must have been in some manner fortified and defended by a small .garrison of which Toorn or Coorn was the commander, called Wachtmeester. Stein in Netherland and Germany is used for Castle, Louve Stein, Ehrenbreit Stein, Wall Stein.
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ration they were willing to confirm by an oath, whenever it is required, that it is true, that Govert Loockemans with the witnesses sailed from Fort Orange in the yacht the Good Hope and when they arrived near the Bears Island on which Nicolas Koren resides in the name of the Pa- troon Van Renselaer, then said Nicolas Koren cry'd out to Govert Loockemans when we were passing by, lower thy colours; for whom should I do so retorted Loocke- mans, then Koren replied for the staple right of Rense- laerwyck; then Govert Loockemans answered I lower not the colours for any individual except for the prince of Orange, and the lords my masters, when directly Nicolas Koren fired a gun, the first shot went through the sail, broke the ropes and the ladder, a second discharge passed over us, and the third done by a savage perforated our princely colors, about a foot above the head of Loocke- mans, who kept constantly the colors in his hand; but we continued our course notwithstanding this insulting as- sault without returning the fire, or making any other re- prisals whatever, and descended gently the river. All which we declared, to pay our homage to the truth with- out any malice, or lurking wish to court the favor of any individual. Done before Fort Amsterdam in New Nether- lands, 5 July. 1644.
This is the CORS. + mark of PETERSEN.
This is the
HARMAN
mark of ARENTSEN.
This is the
mark of
CORNELIS
MAURITSEN.
HARMAN DOUWES,
HARMAN BASTIAENSEN,
JAN VER BRUGGE,
ELBERT ELBERTSEN, WILLEM PETERSEN DE GROOT.
Present CORNELIS VAN TIENHOVEN, Secretary.
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[Vol. 3, p. 203.] In the year of our Lord, 1644.
I undersigned dismiss freely from the service of the Hon. Patroon Kiliaen Van Renselaer, Nicolas Toorn (or Koren) with his troop Isbrand Claessen and Harmen Arentsen from Breemen, who contracted with said Pa- troon to prosecute their own affairs out of the limits of said Colony, on the place towards which was their desti- nation, because they dislike to continue in said service, and I have no wish to keep any one against his inclina- tion.
Done in the Manhattans, in the year above mentioned on the sixth of March new style, and was signed N. Koren.
Proved correct after examination, and having compared it with the original 6 April, 1644, in Fort Amsterdam, New Netherland. OLOFF STEVENSEN.
Present Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secretary.
[Vol. 3, p. 390.] Appeared before me Cornelisen Tien- hoven, Secretary, in New Netherland, Isbrant Claesen, old 44 years, and John Tomasen, old about 40 years, who jointly and separately at the request of Nicolas Coorn, sheriff of Renselaerwyck, declare which declaration they are willing to confirm with a solemn oath, that it is true, that Govert Lookemans when sailing down the river some time ago, came about Bears Island, when Nicolas Coorn fired a gun without a ball as a warning. When Govert continued his course Nicolas Coorn said Stryke! when Govert Loockemans answered : For whom should I strike ? Nicolas Coorn answered, to pay homage to Renselaer- stein. Govert answered, I stryke for nobody as for the Prince, or them by whom I am employed. Then Nicolas ordered to fire behind the bark-when Govert Loockemans vociferated : fire ye dogs and the devil take you. Then the sheriff offered to fire once more, which struck and perforated the sail. Done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, 7th Oct., 1644.
ISBRAND CLAESEN, LUBBERT JANSEN.
[Vol. 3, p. 240.] Whereas Joan La Battie, the Car- [ Annals iv.] 6
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penter solicited that he might be permitted to build a house at Fort Orange, and use it as a brewery without injury to the Interests of the Company, promising that he shall pay annually for this favor six merchantable Beavers to the company, so is it, that this boon has been granted to him, viz : that he may make use of the house which he builds in the fort as a brewery, and remain in possession of said soil, as long as the company shall retain the pro- perty possession of Fort Orange-and the Company's affairs and interests are not neglected by La Battie, and provided he annually pays six merchantable Beavers.
Done 15 June, 1647, in Fort Amsterdam in New Neth- erlands.
[Vol. 3, p. 192.] I Peter Wynkoop, supercargo on the vessel The Arms of Renselaerwyck, Commissary Super- intendent of Wares and Merchandises, in behalf of the Hon. Kiliaen Van Renselaer, protest against the Hon. Van der Hoghens on the insult and violence used against me by unloading said vessel, as if the Patroon aforesaid was personally insulted. While such a conduct can not be construed as to vilify and injure said Patroon who is the oldest Patriot in this country-I say that it is inde- corous to unload such a vessel, and consign the goods to other hands-and arrive here uncommissioned and dispose of our goods-to which shall not be submitted, and whereas this is vilifying New Netherland and its officers, although they cannot vilify our Patroon, who made such great sacrifices for his colony and New Netherland. So I, Peter Wynkoop, renew once more my protest against the Attorney General Van der Hoghens, and solicit the Director and Council in New Netherland to repair this our injury and losses which we suffered by the taking of the ship, the " Arms of Renselaerwyck." Done at Man- hattans, 18 March, 1644.
The Attorney General answers that he followed orders and his instructions, and that he used no force.
PIETER WYNKOOP, CORNELIS VAN DER HUYHENS, At. Gen. Willem De Key, ¿ Witnesses. Isbrand Clasen,
Present Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secretary.
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[Vol. 3, p. 193.] The Attorney General gives a more explicit answer to the insolent Protest of Peter Wyn- coop-that no injury has been done; that no violence has been used, neither that any insult was intended to the Hon. Van Renselaer-but well that the most unreasona- ble transactions has taken place which could have been imagined, viz: that you declined fifty pair of shoes, to be paid at your own price in silver, beavers or seawant which was more than once solicited by our director and counsel while the welfare of this country depended upon it, as it is a fact that with a few pairs of shoes so many soldiers have been mustered as were sufficient to kill five hundred of our enemies. But you even declined to meet us and converse on the subject when we sent you a mes- senger, and used such harsh language as your Hon. Patroon would not stoop to use. But Sir! we afterwards discovered the reasons why you were so unmanageable, and these were: that you prefer to retail these goods to our poor settlers at an exorbitant usury, which you would not have dared to ask from the Directors and council, and which we dare say is against the will of your Patroon; but further, I was informed that there were in said vessel many contrabande articles, so was it my duty, would I not disobey the orders of the Hon. Directors, with those of the Director and Council in New Netherland to arrest and examine the lading of said vessel. This could not be done without unloading, and well it was I did so-a con- siderable quantity of powder, many guns, were discov- ered, which were unknown to the Company, neither placed on the invoice; and which no doubt were intended for smuggling, as these therefore, beyond a shadow of doubt are contraband articles; as therefore these smuggled arti- cles were no doubt intended to be distributed, or rather sold to the savages, which is forbidden on the penalty of the gallows ; so is this misconduct of such direful conse- quences as I have demonstrated in my prosecution what you say, that I ought to have been equally vigilant with regard to other vessels which may have arrived from the company, and which I ought to have confiscated. It
is evident even-in this respect I did my duty, but it
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was not my fault that the Skipper as a villian violated his arrest and sailed away. This I could not prevent- the lawsuit against him was instituted-ship and goods condemned, whenever and whereever he can be brought to justice.
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