USA > New York > New York City > The minutes of the Orphanmasters court of New Amsterdam, 1655 to 1663 > Part 6
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* 6 fl. or $2.50.
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sen made the most trouble : that a ship's boy took the sword into his hand and that the sergeant with the soldiers drank four bottles of brandy at Jan de Ruyters. Lodowyck Pos is ordered and charged to look after the Rattlewatch, inspect their attention to duty and appearance and then go to bed, rise again now and then at midnight and see, whether the men do their duty and to let Jacques Pryn and Hendrick van Bommel for the present continue as watchmen.
Jan Jellisen Koeck produces a list of persons, who owe for their Burgherright.
Jan Cornelizen from Vlensburgh requests, that as he is to sail for the Fatherland, his places as porter of the Weighhouse and in the Rattlewatch may be kept vacant until his return. The Burgomasters promise, that the place of porter shall be kept vacant, provided he returns by the first ship, ready to sail.
Wednesday, July 27, 1661, at the City Hall pres- ent (as before).
Order for the Treasurer.
Mr. Marten Cregier, Treasurer of this City, is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters to cause Jan Jellisen Koeck to go about on the Ist of August next and collect one fl. for each fireplace in this City's jurisdiction according to the test thereof.
Joost Goderis as elder is herewith charged by the Burgomasters to deliver to Secretary Nevius within
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of the Burgomasters.
24 hours from date a statement of what the porters take for carrying wares, goods, beer and wine from one place to the other.
Joris Rapalje requests to be made harbourmaster.
Marginal Order :
Granted, July 29, 1661.
Monday, August 1, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Allard Anthony, Paulus Leendersen van der Grift, Marten Cregier and Olof Stevensen van Cortlant.
The President reports, that at the request of the Burgomasters and on the recommendation of the Director General to the masters of this Province Master Evert Pietersen is sent here as schoolmaster, precentor and comforter of the sick by the Directors of the Company and he absolutely requires a proper dwelling and schoolhouse, which the Director Gen- eral requests the Burgomasters to consider, giving an answer to-day. Thereupon it is resolved : As soon as Master Evert Pietersen has been appointed schoolmaster etc. by the Director General and Council and the Burgomasters have been notified of it, they will dispose of the matter and for this purpose ask for the lot behind the house of the Fiscal to build a schoolhouse.
Order for skipper Pieter Reyerzen.
Pieter Reyersen, skipper of the ship Beaver, is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters of this City
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to pay to their Treasurer for the accommodations in discharging and taking in cargo at the landing place 5 stivers in beavers per last, smaller goods pro rata. Done etc.
The President also reports, the Burgomasters had decided, that as some very important matters would come before them for decision, the Old Burgo- masters should be invited to sit with them, so that, when they came again into office, they might be acquainted with the matter.
Storm Alberzen* is asked, where he intends to live and says at Fort Orange in the Fuyck, t trading there, where he still has half a house standing. The Burgomasters decide, that Storm Albersen and others are bound to purchase his Burgherright and keep here an open shop for six weeks. Re-entering he is informed thereof, but excused from keeping shop here for six weeks.
Provisional Instructions, given by the Burgo- masters of the City of Amsterdam in N. N. to the porters of the Weighhouse and the beer carriers.
First. They shall be held to report every morning at 6 o'clock before the Company's Warehouse or Scales and remain there until 12 noon, coming back at 1 o'clock to remain until sunset.
2. They shall not be allowed to handle wine or
* A son of Albert Bratt, who having been born during a storm at sea, was baptized Storm and called himself van der Zee.
t The Fuyck or Fishnet, now that part of Albany, N. Y., called Steamboat Square and neighborhood.
,
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of the Burgomasters.
beer or take it from one place to the other without first demanding and receiving the proper excise or transfer ticket.
3. They shall furnish their own tools for handling wine and beer.
4. In attending to their duties they shall not drink to excess, so that beer, wine or other goods, which they handle, may not suffer damage, under the penalty of losing their days wages and paying besides a fine of 3 fl. for the common fund.
5. If any damage has been caused by their drunk- enness, they must pay for it and besides 6 fl. for the common fund.
6. In order, that every thing is done in good order and by rule the Burgomasters elect from the porters of the Weighhouse Joost Goderis as fore- man, whom the others must obey.
7. The foreman shall be held to remain at the Scales or the Company's Warehouse during the aforesaid hours, without leaving, for the convenience of the merchants.
8. The first returning from a job shall immediately take hold of another, unless there is something else to be done and he shall then go to it by order of the foreman without contradicting him under a penalty of 3 Al.
9. Of whatever they have done and worked at they shall, each time they return to the Weighhouse, give a strict report to the foreman, who shall be held to keep a good account for the information and
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convenience of the merchants; also of the beer (carried).
10. Upon the receipt of an excise ticket they shall immediately tear and preserve it and if one or more should have been lost, he, who has lost it, shall be fined I fl. for the common fund.
II. After having done their work they shall im- mediately deliver the excise tickets to the foreman, who is to keep them until the evening and then re- turn them to the farmers of the excise or at the latest next morning before 9 o'clock under the penalty of 2 fl. for the fund and for each ticket lost he must also pay 1 fl.
12. He, who does not pay proper attention, shall pay 3fl. to the fund for a whole day and he, who comes one hour too late, 10 stivers.
13. If it happens, that there is a great deal of hurried work, so that it is not possible to do all, then they shall hire somebody to assist, taking care, that he is a faithful person, as they must be security for him.
14. If one of them badly treats merchants or Burghers he shall be fined 6 fl. and be punished ac- cording to circumstances.
15. Whoever refuses to let the foreman deduct the fine on a complaint, shall suffer twofold punishment.
16. They shall see, that nobody besides them works on wine or beer and whoever is detected doing so shall be fined one third for the beer carried.
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17. They shall not take more for their work than the wages, prescribed by the Burgomasters under the penalty of losing their places.
18. When the fire bell rings they shall be at hand and help, under penalty of losing their places.
19. If one of the Weighhouse porters falls sick, they shall pay him weekly 6 fl.
20. They shall produce their instructions to the Burgomasters every year and ask for continuation in the service.
21. The foreman shall be held to deposit every Saturday the money, earned during the week, and not on Sunday, on pain of 6 fl. for the fund.
22. But what has been earned in unloading and loading ships shall be deposited by the foreman, when convenient, only not on Sunday under the penalty as above.
23. The beer carriers and porters of the Weigh- house shall promise and swear, that they will perform the duties of their office faithfully and uprightly, neither commit frauds nor allow others to commit them and to observe, what hereafter may be added to these instructions by the Burgomasters.
Friday, August 5, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Allard Anthony and Paulus Leendensen van der Grift.
Before the Board appears Jan Gillisen Koeck, who reports that the Schepens Tymotheus Gabry, Pieter
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Wolfersen van Couwenhoven and Jeronimus Ebbinck are not willing to pay the dues for their fire- places.
Paulus Schrick is told, that he must pay for his Burgherright. He says, a distinction should be made between persons, who trade, and those, who come to collect debts; he has not sold any goods, but has sent some beans to Pieter Loockermans at Fort Orange for sale and now takes them back. This having been taken into consideration, he is ex- cused from purchasing the Burgherright, as it is allowed to everybody to send goods to a resident and Burgher here for sale on commission.
Jan Gillizen Koeck reports, that he has spoken to several men, arrived in the ships, about payment for the Burgherright.
Order for the Treasurer.
Mr. Marten Cregier, Treasurer of this City, is herewith ordered and directed by the Burgomasters, to send Jan Gillisen Koeck to collect the outstand- ing dues for each fireplace in the City, which are not yet paid, without regard of persons and the officer Pieter Tonneman is authorized, to assist him in cases of refusal, first warning the recusants to guard against loss and then levying the dues by distraint, charging for the visit 3 fl.
The labourers of the Weighhouse are provisionally allowed to charge and receive the following wages for their work, at the Warehouse.
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of the Burgomasters.
For a large bundle of duf- fels fl. 1.10
" a case of duffels .18
" do of linnen .18
" a bale of rice .12
a bale of canvas .12
cask of nails .18
" do of prunes I .-.
" barrel of rice .18
" keg of hatchets .12
" barrel of kettles .12 For wines
" other goods and trifles pro rata
" putting a barrel on the scales .6
and taking it off.
" rolling a hhd. of to- bacco out of the boat
and to the scales
" rolling a hhd of to-
bacco to the house and putting it on the scales .9
" opening a hhd. of to- bacco .4
" ali other goods pro rata according to weight
.9
For handling wine and beer by the carriers
Outside of the gates
For a tun of beer fl.
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" half a tun
.5
" a quarter Inside the gates
.4
For a tun .8
" a half tun .4
a quarter .3
For a barrel of oil I.10.
... of brandy 1.4.
" a hhd. of wine or vinegar
.12
" an awm of wine .IO
half an awm .6
an anker
.4
" half an anker .2
The Burgomasters resolve to ask the Director General and Council for the lot behind the house of Nicasius de Sille.
Jan Janzen de Jongh is asked, why he refuses to pay his dues for the fireplaces in his brewery. He answers, he has not yet made up his mind to pay.
Order.
The Officer is ordered to compel Jan Jansen de Jongh by execution to pay his fire dues for the brewery and other places.
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Master* Jacob Huges coming in says, he has been summoned to pay for his Burgherright, but as he left his wife here and has kept fire and light in his house, he is excused.
Saturday, August 6, 1661, present (as before).
The Burgomasters resolve, that all papers to be used by parties in a law-suit shall be handed in next Monday morning at 7 o'clock and for this purpose an order is to be sent to Jacob Vis, also to Mattheus de Vos to exchange papers.
Before the Board appeared Hendrick Hendricksen Obe, who was asked, when he was engaged as City drummer. Answering, in June, he is told, that the City had to bear many burdens and therefore it had been resolved, that one drummer should not have more pay, than the other, and each is allowed 50 fl. He says, he will not engage for that and rather serve without pay ; he asks for his discharge, whereupon it was decided, that Hendrick Hendricksen should be told by the Courtmessenger, to consider until Mon- day.
Steven Geneve, brazier, summoned comes in and is asked, whether he would care to enter the City's service as drummer. Answering Yes, he is asked, what pay he expects and says 250 fl., but only 50 are offered to him, as that is given to others.
Order rel. to J. Vis
Jacobus Vis is herewith ordered by the Burgo- masters to produce at the City Hall his papers in * Surgeons and schoolmasters had this title.
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of the Burgomasters.
the suit against Hans Steyn next Monday, August 8th, at 7 O.c.
Order to M. de Vos
Mattheus de Vos, as attorney for Geertruyd Win- gers, is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters to exchange his papers* in the suit against Geleyn Verplanck as soon as possible and give a list of them to the Secretary.
Monday, August 8, 1661, present (as before).
Hendrick Hendricksen Obe is asked, what he has concluded to do since last Saturday. He answers, he is of the same mind as before and requests to be discharged. The Burgomasters grant his request and he is discharged from his duties as drummer.
Monday, September 12, 1661, present (as before).
Paulus van de Beeck appearing before the Board, he is informed of the complaints, that he makes no payments in deduction of the rent to those, who have orders on him and that he now owes rent for three quarters of the year, also that the City is hard up. He answers, sometimes when he has no funds he requests two, three or four days' time, in which to pay, and then they give him uncivil words, but he promises to do, what he can. It is recommended, that he do his best and go to this or that inn keeper
* According to the practice in civil cases parties to a suit had to show to each other proofs of their allegations and evidence.
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to see, whether he cannot obtain 50 fl. for excise, which he promises to do.
It is ordered, to lay on the table all legal papers.
Friday, September 16, 1661, present (as before).
Hendrick Willemsen the baker, having been summoned, is told, that complaints are made about the insufficient baking. He says, he does not know, how that comes and wishes he had not baked, since the price of bread was fixed. Asked to say now or to-morrow, whether the bread is well baked or not, he answers Yes, as formerly the flower of the meal was shaken out, so now the bran is taken out and the grain is enhanced in price by this or that baker and it is shameful, that the bakers allow their apprentices to attend to the rising of the bread, who do not kneed it sufficiently, which makes the bread bake badly : in Holland it is not customary to bake bran with flour, but it may happen, that some bran gets in, but not much.
Officer Pieter Tonneman appearing is informed by the Burgomasters, that after adjournment they intend to go with him and inspect the streets, whether anything lies there to prevent driving and if they find the owner, he is to order him, to take it away or in case of refusal to do it at owner's expense. He is also directed to see, that the privies emptying on the streets be removed, as it has been forbid- den by Placaat, that privies should empty on the street.
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of the Burgomasters.
Order.
Hendrick Hendricksen Obe is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters to beat the drum at the com- ing fair and when the train band marches up under the orange flag, for which he shall receive, what is fair. Done etc.
Order.
Reyer Ariaansen, skipper of the ship Perel (Pearl), is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters, to deliver for the City according to custom, to the bearer hereof, Lodowyck Pos, Marshal of the Burghers, 25 lbs. of powder, Done etc.
September 22, 1661, By order etc.
Friday, September 23, 1661, present (as before).
Geertruyd Wingers requests by petition, that Geleyn Verplanck be examined under oath by a committee of two, to be appointed by the Burgo- masters. Marginal order ; The request is granted and Tymotheus Gabry with Joannes van Brugh are commissioned to examine Geleyn Verplanck under oath in the presence of the officer Pieter Tonneman.
The petition of Jan Gillisen Koeck is deferred for eight days.
Robbert Roelanzen and Abraham Janzen, carpen- ters, produce the decision of the arbitrators in their case with Annetje Dirckx, widow of Pieter Kock and request, that she may be forbidden to have the work done by others, as they have not been paid.
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The Burgomasters order them to summon Annetje Dirckx for the next session of Court, as the matter concerns the whole bench.
Cornelis Vermeulen wants to know, why he should buy his Burgherright and is told, because he has come here with goods for sale. He says, he has brought most of the goods for his mother, but does not deny, that he has not brought some on com- mission, which he claims do not amount to much. The Burgomasters decide and tell him, that this being the case he must pay 26 fl. in wampum instead of 26 fl. in beavers.
The bakers request by petition to be relieved from taking out a licence every three months and paying 6fl. Marginal order : The Burgomasters refer petitioners to the Director General and Council, who have given the order. Done etc. September 26, 1661.
Order.
Willem Bordingh, skipper of the ship Doele, is herewith ordered by the Burgomasters, to deliver for the City, according to custom, to bearer hereof, Lodowyck Pos, Burgher Marshal, 25 lbs. of powder. Done, etc., September 23, 1661.
On the 27th of September the same order was sent to Pieter Reyersen, skipper of the Beaver, and Jan Berger, skipper of the St. Jan Baptist.
Friday, October 7, 1661, at the City Hall present
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of the Burgomasters.
Messrs. Allard Anthony, Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Marten Cregier.
At his request the office of gauger and stampmas- ter is given to Jan Jelizen Koeck provisionally for one year, conform to the instructions given to the former gauger December 20, 1658, on condition, that at the end of the year he asks for it again.
Pieter Schaafbanck, called in, is told, that the City has great expenses and he is asked, whether he wishes to continue in his office as jailer without salary, receiving only quarters and fuel, if he should remain. He says, he will consider it.
The President reports, that contrary to orders the Rattlewatch calls at 4 o. c. a. m .: Rise up from bed etc., but does not call at midnight, which ought to be changed. Jan Jelissen is therefore ordered to call the Proovost.
Joost Goderus and Barent Jacobzen Cool report, that they have been ordered to go and work on board ships, which has forced the Burghers to let their work stand and they maintain, they are not bound to do it. They are told, if they are opposed to it and request to be discharged from the work on board, that then they would be informed, they might no longer work at the Company's Warehouse, and they are advised, not to oppose it and when they are ordered to such work to hire others for the Burghers' service.
Lodowyck Pos, Captain of the Rattlewatch, is di- rected to communicate to his men the following. order :
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The Rattlewatch is herewith ordered by the Bur- gomasters, in conformity with former orders and rules, to call the hours at all the corners prescribed and not to stop before reveille has been sounded, under a penalty of a month's pay for each and be- sides arbitrary correction.
In order, that this may be done, as prescribed, Lodowyck Pos is charged, to pay strict attention by loss of his office. * The wife of Abraham Pietersen Carpyn enter- ing, she is asked, why her husband has not paid for his Burgherright, his note having fallen due. She answers, that he has met with great losses and re- quests a delay of two months. ** Further asked, how much money of Jan Albersen she has attached, she says about 40 fl. and is willing, that the City may receive it.
Down to ** this paragraph is repeated in the original and then it goes on : As the time has passed, the Burgomasters decide, that she must pay upon the demand of the Treasurer or his order.
Friday, October 14, 1661, at the City Hall present (as before).
Lodowyck Pos, Captain of the Rattlewatch, is asked, how it comes, that his men do not obey the order of the Burgomasters, still calling before day break : Rise up from bed. He answers, the watch- men say, they do not want to be ridiculed by other people and call in the day time.
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of the Burgomasters.
Cornelis Hendricksen, the drummer, is asked, why he does not obey the order of the Burgomasters re- garding the call " Rise, etc." He says, when reveille is beaten it is day; whereupon he is told, that he must obey orders or be discharged. He answers, he will obey and is ordered to do so conform to the regulation, published eight days ago.
Andries Andriezen asked, whether he is willing to call, when the day breaks : Rise up etc., says Yes. Cornelis Barensen
Hendrick van Doesburgh
Albert Leenderzen
Jacques Pryn
Hendrick van Bommel
asked as above say Yes
Abraham Kimberley
Hendrick van Bommel returning is asked, how it is, that he allowed the thief to escape, who had stolen the coal (cabbage ?)* and whom he and his comrade captured. He says, walking around with his mate and arresting the man they took the coal (cabbage) from him and the mate said : We'll let him go, we know, who he is. Thereupon Abraham Kimberley was called in, who said, the man was an employé of the Company, to-wit Mesach, the Company's mason, and they tell all the details.
Lodowyck Pos returning, he is ordered to be care- ful and inspect the watchmen now and then without regard to hour.
Jan Jelizen Kock says, that he has spoken to * The Dutch word Kool stands for both coal and cabbage.
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Abraham Pietersen about the money for the Burgher- right, who had answered, the devil may pay, as he had no money. The Burgomasters order Abraham Pietersen to pay to-day or to-morrow. He requests permission to be a butcher, but is told he must first pay for his Burgherright.
Jan Gerrizen van Couwenhoven, summoned by Jan Jelisen Kock before the Board for non-payment of Rattlewatch dues, is absent. The Burgomasters order him promptly to pay Jan Jelissen Kock said 8 fl. or in default the Officer Pieter Tonneman is authorized and requested to levy on said Jan Gerri- sen van Couwenhoven by execution.
Joannes van Couwenhoven, summoned for non- payment of 6 fl. is absent and the same order as be- fore is given.
Friday, October 21, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Pieter Tonneman, Allard Anthony, Paulus Leendersen van der Grift, Marten Cregier and Olof Stevensen van Cortlant.
The President produces an extract from the Regis- ter of Resolutions of the Director General and Council, dated October 13, 1661, concerning deliber- ations for the best of the community, to prevent that some covetous engrossers do not buy more maize, venison and other things, which the savages bring to market, to sell it at enhanced prices to the poor people, and the President requests each member to give his advice. After some discussion it is decided,
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of the Burgomasters.
that two tradinghouses should be established for this purpose and the savages be charged to sell their goods at no other places, than these. It is also ordered, that the planks lying before the house of Mr. Hans* shall be removed, to erect there one trad- ing house for the Indians.
Hendrick Willemsen Backer (the baker) and Cristoffel Hooglant appear before the Board and are informed, that the Director General and Council have elected and confirmed them as foremen of the bakers : they are asked, whether they will accept the office for the benefit of the community and answer Yes,
Commission.
Whereas according to an extract from the Regis- ter of Resolutions of the Director General and Council, dated October 13, 1661, on the nomination of the Burgomasters of this City Hendrick Willem- sen Backer and Cristoffel Hooghlant have by their Honours been elected and confirmed as overseers of the bread, to be baked in this jurisdiction, therefore the Burgomasters aforesaid herewith charge and authorize said Backer and Hooghland to see, that the bread is made of good material, proper weight and well baked and they are to perform their duties for the welfare of the community and the inhabitants. Done etc.
Whereas the Officer Pieter Tonneman has seized a loaf of coarse bread, baked by Reynier the baker, * Surgeon Hans Kierstede.
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and whereas the same is not as it ought to be, there- fore it is shown to the above said overseers to ex- press their opinion. After examining it they say, that the bread was made of honest material, but not well worked and fermented, also badly baked and made by some one, who has no knowledge of it or having knowledge has been in a hurry and Hendrick the baker declares, he might add something, but he has no time now.
Reynier Willemsen Backer (baker) coming in is shown by the Officer the bread baked by Reynier and seized. Asked, how it comes, that the bread is so bad, Reynier says, that he was out and had put the boys to work meanwhile, also that the people did not give him peace, constantly trying to pull the bread out of the oven, even when he said, it was not done yet and must remain in the oven for another hour : he further says, the wheat was from Graves- end, which is not as good as the grain from else- where.
Returning Reynier is told, to bake good and fit bread for the best possible accommodation of the community and this time he is let off, but he must be careful.
In the afternoon the same members were present.
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